Humulus lupulus (hops) is traditionally used as a tranquilizing herbal remedy. Here, we investigated the in vivo and in vitro effect of hop β-acids on central nervous system function. Oral administration of β-acids (5–10 mg/kg) in rats produced an increased exploratory activity in the open field, a reduction in the pentobarbital hypnotic activity and a worsening of picrotoxin-induced seizures. When dosed at 10 mg/kg, β-acids increased, in the elevated plus maze, open arm entries reducing in parallel those in closed arms. In the forced swimming test, we observed a reduction in the immobility time that could suggest an antidepressant-like activity. Electrophysiological studies performed on cerebellar granule cells in culture showed that the β-acids fraction decreased GABA-evoked current in a dose-dependent way. The effect was not inhibited by the benzodiazepine antagonist Ro 15-1788. Benzodiazepine receptors involvement was also excluded by [3H]-Ro 15-1788 binding assay. In conclusion, the behavioral effects of β-acids fraction could be explained by a reduction in the GABAergic activity although we cannot rule out the involvement of other neurotransmitter systems

Evidence that the β-acid fraction of hops reduces central GABAergic neurotransmission / Zanoli, Paola; Zavatti, Manuela; Rivasi, Marianna; F., Brusiani; Losi, Gabriele; Puja, Giulia; Avallone, Rossella; Baraldi, Mario. - In: JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY. - ISSN 0378-8741. - STAMPA. - 109(2007), pp. 87-92.

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