An Overview on Chemical Constituents, Medicinal Applications, Pharmacological Activity, Toxicology, Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics of Strobilus lupuli

Strobilus lupuli is the dried strobiles (inflorescences) of Humulus lupulus L. (Cannabaceae). Other names of Strobilus lupuli include European hops, hoblon, hop vine, hopfen, and hops. Humulus lupulus L. is an important plant that contains metabolites used in the brewing and pharmaceutical fields. Strobilus lupuli is cultivated in Europe, Asia, and North America, occurring in the world's temperate areas. The analysis of Strobilus lupuli through chromatography analysis showed the presence of bitter substances and xanthohumol. The bitter substances in the resins are the major constituents of Strobilus lupuli, where these substances represent 15-25% of Strobilus lupuli constituents. Strobilus lupuli is applied as a sedative agent for the treatment of nervous tension and insomnia. Strobilus lupuli is applied in the treatment of dyspepsia and lack of appetite. Strobilus lupuli is applied to treat anemia, bacterial infections, abdominal cramps, dysmenorrhoea, leukorrhoea, dermatitis, diarrhea, migraine, and edema. The pharmacology activity of Strobilus lupuli includes experimental and clinical pharmacology. Experimental pharmacology includes antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, central nervous system depressant, estrogenic and miscellaneous activities. The oral median lethal dose of ethanol extract of Strobilus lupuli in mice was found to be 500 mg/kg, while the oral median lethal dose of Strobilus lupuli in rats was 2700 mg/kg. No information is available on general precautions or on precautions concerning drug and laboratory test interactions. There is no teratogenic effect in pregnancy, or nursing mothers, or pediatric use of Strobilus lupuli. Strobilus lupuli powder dose = one dose of 0.5 g. Infusion or decoction dose = 0.5 g/ 150 ml water. Strobilus lupuli extract dose = 0.06-0.08g.