Humulus lupulus, Plant of Economic and Therapeutic Importance

Abstract

Humulus lupulus, often referred to as "hop," is a plant member of the Cannabaceae family. The plant is dioecious in nature and is a perennial fauna reported for its therapeutic properties. It is used largely in the pharmaceuticals and food industries including breweries. Some of the plant’s metabolites have been studied for their application in the treatment of metabolic syndrome. Extensive studies on the plant have established its importance as a product of commercial significance, thereby boosting the economic value of this plant. The present review provides a compact account of the plant’s phytocompound profile and the remedial properties of its secondary metabolites. Although this plant can be explored as a high-profit-generating resource due to increased market demand and growing market acceptance, challenges faced in the cultivation of this plant limit its availability as an industrially suitable resource. This review, therefore, aimed to shed light on the function of hop secondary metabolites used in therapeutics, hop plant demography, and the problems associated with the cultivation of hop. Limited land availability and the expanding population create the need to develop a cost-effective strategy for cultivating this plant with enhanced yield.