Hops Supercritical Extract
Also known as: Hops, Hop cones, Xanthohumol, Amarasate, scCO₂ hops extract, Humulus lupulus
Overview
Hops (*Humulus lupulus* L.) are the flowers of the hop plant, traditionally utilized in beer brewing for their unique flavors and preservation properties. The supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂) extraction method enables the isolation of bioactive compounds from hops, including α-acids, β-acids, iso-α-acids, and xanthohumol, which possess various health benefits. Hops extracts are valued for their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. Recent studies have explored their role in gut health, appetite regulation, and hormonal responses. While research on hops extracts is moderately mature, with numerous studies addressing their chemical composition and biological activities, there is a growing demand for systematic reviews to consolidate existing findings. Overall, hops extracts showcase potent pharmacological properties that warrant further exploration in clinical settings.
Benefits
Research indicates several evidence-based benefits of hops extracts: - **Antimicrobial Activity**: Hops extracts exhibit strong antibacterial properties against foodborne pathogens, with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values ranging from 2.5 to 20 μg/mL for xanthohumol. This finding underscores their potential for use in food preservation and safety (High Evidence). - **Neuroprotective Effects**: Extracts produced under specific conditions have shown the ability to inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), suggesting protective effects against cognitive decline (Moderate Evidence). - **Appetite Modification**: A study found that Amarasate®, a bitter scCO₂ hops extract, reduced energy intake in healthy-weight individuals, indicating its potential for weight management (High Evidence). - **Antioxidant Activity**: Hops extracts exhibit antioxidant properties, beneficial for combating oxidative stress (Moderate Evidence). - **Gut Health**: Potential modulation of gut function through interactions with bitter taste receptors could further contribute to appetite regulation (Moderate Evidence).
How it works
Hops extracts exert their effects via multiple biological pathways. The bioactive compounds, particularly xanthohumol, disrupt bacterial cell membranes, leading to antimicrobial effects. Neuroprotection is achieved through the inhibition of key enzymes (AChE and BChE) involved in cholinergic signaling, which is vital for cognitive function. Additionally, the activation of bitter taste receptors (T2Rs) in the gastrointestinal system by bitter compounds in hops influences hormonal secretion and appetite regulation. Enhanced bioavailability is possible through carriers that improve the solubility and permeability of these active compounds.
Side effects
Hops extracts are considered safe within appropriate dosages, but limited long-term safety data exists. Common adverse effects (>5%) are not extensively documented for supercritical hops extracts, though general gastrointestinal discomfort may occur. Uncommon effects (1-5%) that could arise include allergic reactions in susceptible individuals. Rare side effects (<1%) related to supercritical hops extracts have not been documented. Drug interactions appear to be limited, yet caution is advised when used alongside medications affecting the central nervous system or gastrointestinal tract. There are no specific contraindications, although individuals with allergies to hops should avoid use. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are advised to consult healthcare professionals due to insufficient safety data.
Dosage
The effective dosage for hops extracts varies by application. For antimicrobial activity, MIC values for xanthohumol are between 2.5 and 20 μg/mL. For neuroprotective effects, specific dosages are less defined but are generally part of broader extract formulations. In appetite modulation studies, a dosage of 125 mg of hops extract (as seen in Amarasate®) proved effective. Currently, there is no established maximum safe dose, although used doses in studies have shown good tolerance. Administration timing is crucial for appetite effects, ideally before meals. Utilizing carriers such as HP-β-CD and Neusilin US2 can enhance solubility and absorption of active compounds, supporting better bioavailability.
FAQs
Are hops extracts safe for long-term use?
While hops extracts are generally safe, long-term safety data is limited. It is advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for prolonged use.
When is the best time to take hops extract?
For appetite modulation, it is best to take hops extract before meals to optimize its effects on energy intake.
What results can I expect from using hops extracts?
Users may experience antimicrobial, neuroprotective, and appetite-modulating effects depending on the extract's composition and dosage.
Can hops extracts affect gut health?
Yes, hops extracts may influence gut health by activating bitter taste receptors, which can play a role in appetite regulation.
Research Sources
- https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/chem-2015-0131/html?lang=en – This study highlights the antimicrobial activity of supercritical hops extracts, demonstrating their potential efficacy against various bacterial strains with quantified MIC values.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/12/9/1722 – The research discusses the neuroprotective properties of hops extracts, particularly under specific extraction conditions, revealing promising effects on cognitive decline through the inhibition of key enzymes.
- https://www.mdpi.com/2304-8158/8/10/435 – This randomized controlled trial evaluated the appetite-modulating effects of Amarasate®, finding significant reductions in energy intake among healthy-weight participants.
- https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2021.06.25.21259514v1.full – The document discusses the developing understanding of hops’ potential benefits in appetite regulation and the physiological mechanisms involved.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/47366576_Supercritical_carbon_dioxide_hop_extraction – This paper provides a comprehensive overview of supercritical CO₂ extraction methods for hops, detailing the resultant chemical composition and its biological implications.
