Spent hop extract as a source of novel prenylflavonoids for human health

The inflorescence of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus L., contains unique compounds used primarily for production of beer, yet also contain compounds that have bioactive properties, with potential for improving human health.
Hops bittering soft resins and aromatic oils derived from their lupulin glands are essential for beer.
A third component in lupulin are the hard resins that are undesirable in beer, yet contain bioactive polyphenols shown to lower disease risk in humans and animals.
Extracts of hop hard resins are rich in antioxidant and estrogenic prenylflavonoids and are used today as health supplements, especially, for the alleviation of menopausal discomforts.
However, bioavailability of prenylflavonoids is dependent on their metabolism by gut microbiota.
This review focuses on the use of prenylflavonoid-rich hop extracts by women for alleviation of menopausal complaints, with the added benefit of lowering disease risk including metabolic syndrome and cancer.
The role of gut microbiota and bioavailability of the prenylflavonoids will also be discussed.

IV International Humulus Symposium

A. Hamm, T. Weir

Humulus lupulus, gut microbiota, phytoestrogen, 8-prenylnaringin, menopause

https://doi.org/10.17660/ActaHortic.2019.1236.11