Humulus lupulus (Common hop) is a species of Humulus in the Cannabaceae family.
Common hop is a dioecious, perennial herbaceous climbing plant which sends up new shoots in early spring and dies back to the cold-hardy rhizome in autumn. It is native to the temperate Northern Hemisphere.
The flower cones of the plant, known as hops, are used in the production of beer to impart bitterness and flavor, and for their preservative qualities. The extract is antimicrobial, which makes it useful for making natural deodorant. Hops also contain the potent phytoestrogen, 8-prenylnaringenin that may have a relative binding affinity to estrogen receptors. Hop also contains myrcene, humulene, myrcenol, linalool, tannins, resin.