Hop extract reduces appetite and food cravings in fasting women
19 Jun 2024
A clinical trial has shown that an extract of New Zealand-grown hops, known as Amarasate™, can reduce the feelings of hunger and subsequent food intake in fasting women.
A randomised, double-blind crossover study was conducted with 27 healthy, lean women aged 18 to 39 years. The women fasted for 24 hours on three occasions and were provided with high (250mg) or low (125mg) doses of the hop extract Amarasate™ or a placebo twice during the water-only fast. They were then given a meal, which they consumed until comfortably full, to break their fast. Surveys to measure feelings of hunger and cravings for food were taken throughout the fasting day.
Compared with placebo, both treatments of hop extract reduced feelings of hunger and reduced food cravings during the fast. Energy intake at the post-fast meal was 14% lower with the high dose treatment and 8% lower (statistically not significant) with the lower dose treatment.
Walker, Edward G et al (2024). Gastrointestinal delivery of bitter hop extract reduces appetite and food cravings in healthy adult women undergoing acute fasting. Obesity Pillars, Volume 11 article 100117
