Humulus Lupulus L. (Hops) - A Valuable Source of Compounds With Bioactive Effects for Future Therapies

Abstract

Hops are a well-known source of resins, essential oils and polyphenolic substances, such as proanthocyanidins or prenylflavonoids with significant representatives of xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol, and 8-prenylnaringenine, and represent an essential ingredient in beer production. Recently, however, many additional bioactive effects of hop compounds have been investigated.A systematic review of the structure-function relationship between the individual hop-derived compounds and their bio-activity has been lacking. In this review we summarize some recent findings in this area from reports from our as well as other studies. It shows multiple bio-medical effects of the individual hop derived compounds, which can act individually, or in a synergistic manner.The hops can serve as a source of bio-active compounds in phyto-medicine and as such, more attention and detailed studies are warranted to utilize the broad spectrum of effects of individual compounds in future treatments.An increasing number of pathogenic strains of bacteria (and viruses) resistant to different types of antimicrobials poses a major medical problem. Secondary metabolites of hops have been described

Comparison of antioxidant activity of extracts of hop leaves harvested in different years

“…Hops stipule extracts can be successfully used to prevent caries and periodontal diseases [15]. Moreover, various parts of this plant favorably affect urinary and digestive system, reduce cholesterol level, risk of ulcers development and high blood pressure, seal blood vessels and have a positive effect in relieving rheumatic pains [2,7,11,12,16].…”

Application of Autofluorescence for Analysis of Medicinal Plants

“…A phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin has been recently discovered in the female flowers of hops plants [17]. In many cases, extracts of the H. lupulus cones may also act as a prooxidants due to the presence of flavonoids [18,19] and have antitumor potential [20]. All active hop components are accumulated in the multicellular glands (our stereomicroscopic images in Figures 3(a)-3(c)) that, maturing, release small glandular cells named as lupulin in pharmacy (Figures 3(b) and 3(c)).…”

“…Another example of prevailing components in pharmaceutical samples was the bract multicellular glands of matured female flowers (female cones) from hop Humulus lupulus L, which served as a natural sedative drug to calm the nerves, International Journal of Spectroscopy 5 reduce stress and anxiety, or even give anticancer effects [10,11,17,18]. Active matters in hops are bitter acids humulone and lupulone, weak acid components.…”

Sequential Elution of Essential Oil Constituents during Steam Distillation of Hops (<i>Humulus lupulus</i> L.) and Influence on Oil Yield and Antimicrobial Activity

“…The hop essential oils give hops the characteristic smell and provide flavor and aroma to beer. The content and chemical profile of hop essential oil varies greatly depending on variety 9 , geographical location, harvest timing and cultivation factors 10,11 , duration and conditions of storage 12 . On the other hand, gas chromatographic GC analysis of hops essential oil is used as a tool for identification of hop varieties 13,14 .…”

“…The hop essential oil contains numerous aromatic compounds. According to recent reports, the number of identified and actually present compounds in the hop essential oil ranges from 485 to up 1000 9,17,18 . The antimicrobial effects of hop compounds have been demonstrated against Gram-positive cocci, parasites, several fungi and protozoa, which is linked to αand β-acids or bitter acids activity 19 21 .…”