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

ESCOPESCOP-Monografie Lupuli flos

EMA/HMPC HumulusEMA/HMPC Assessment Report Humulus lupulus

FEI EPSL 2024FEI Equine Prohibited Substances List 2024

Equiterna Score

58/100

solid

Science4.5/10

Practical experience6/10

Safety7.2/10

Overall score scale

high overall75–100solid55–74limited0–54

How the Equiterna Score is built

The Equiterna Score combines three dimensions into a value of 0-100: science (40%), practical experience (30%) and safety (30%). It is transparently derived from evidence level, attributed sources (PubMed/journals), legal classification and cautions. The FEI doping status is shown separately as a competition-law note and does not enter the score. Commissions and vendor relationships have no influence on the score. In addition, the editorial safety rating caps the result: it limits the safety dimension and the overall tier (orange: at most solid). For entries rated red, no score is calculated at all. The rating never raises anything — a green rating does not lift a calculated value.

An editorial assessment of the evidence and safety situation — not a healing claim and not an individual recommendation. It does not replace veterinary advice.

DosageNo 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.

AMG statusComplementary feed

FEI statusControlled (withdrawal)

Evidenceemerging

Products containing Hops

Nerven

Magic Powder

NAF

Not orderable →

Nerven

Balsama

PerNaturam

Not orderable →

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.”

Xenophon · On Horsemanship (c. 365 BC)

Equiterna is an intermediary platform for equine knowledge, marketplace and tools — not a veterinary-medicines dealer, veterinary practice or pharmacy. Compound information is study-attributed and free of healing claims. Legal framework: Regulation (EU) 2019/6 / TAMG (DE/AT), Feed Regulation (EC) 767/2009, FEI Prohibited Substances List, HWG.