Hops
Humulus lupulus · Hop cones
Mechanism
Hop cones contain bitter compounds (humulones, lupulones) and the volatile 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, held responsible for the traditionally attributed sedative and sleep-promoting effect; GABAergic and melatonin-modulating mechanisms are discussed (ESCOP/EMA-HMPC, mainly human data). Controlled efficacy and pharmacokinetic studies in the horse are practically absent, so a robust statement on the oral effect in the horse is not possible. Hops is traditionally used outside competition in calming mixtures. Because of the centrally depressant direction of effect, the FEI status must be checked before competition.
Cautions
- · Horse-specific data largely lacking; effect not established
- · Sedative direction of effect: check FEI status before competition
- · Do not combine with other sedatives
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Is Hops a feed or a veterinary medicine for horses?
Equiterna classes Hops as “Complementary feed”. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009.
Is Hops allowed at FEI competitions?
In the profile, Hops is listed with the FEI status “Controlled (withdrawal)”. The current FEI list is authoritative, so please check its latest version.
Which dosage do the sources give for Hops?
Stated in the profile: No established equine dose; dried hop cones/extract in practice approx. 5–15 g/animal/day for a large horse (~500–600 kg). Coordinate with a vet. This is information from the literature, not an instruction for an individual horse.
Which sources are there for Hops?
The profile cites: ESCOP, EMA/HMPC Humulus, and FEI EPSL 2024.
Usage note
This content is for information and education. It does not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment. If your horse shows signs of illness, consult a veterinarian.
“Nothing forced can ever be beautiful.”
Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is source-attributed (PubMed, specialist journals, NRC/GfE, EU regulations) and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.