Hops, known botanically as humulus lupulus, is a plant commonly known for its use in the beer brewing industry. However, hops extract are also used in herbal medicine. Hops have a history of use in China to treat leprosy and tuberculosis, according to Purdue University. Today,beer hops extract is marketed as a sleep aid and for reproductive health. As with all herbal medicine, consult your doctor before taking hops extract.