Hops, Key to Flavor in Beer, May Prove Useful in New Drugs - Drugs.com MedNews

We know that, Humulone (α-lupulic acid) is a bitter-tasting chemical compound found in the resin of mature hops (Humulus lupulus). Humulone is a prevalent member of the class of compounds known as alpha acids, which collectively give beer its characteristic bitter flavor.

In a  new study, researchers determined the precise configuration of humulones, substances derived from hops that give beer its unique flavor.

"Now that we have the right results, what happens to the bitter hops in the beer-brewing process makes a lot more sense," study lead author Werner Kaminsky, a University of Washingto.

Previous research has suggested that moderate consumption of beer  and therefore its bitter compounds might have positive effects on diseases such as diabetes and some types of cancer, as well as aiding weight loss and decreasing inflammation. 

The new findings could help scientists determine which humulones might prove useful in efforts to develop new drugs, Kaminsky said.

The authors wrote in their report that while "excessive beer consumption cannot be recommended to propagate good health  isolated humulones and their derivatives can be prescribed with documented health benefits."

Ref : http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.201208450/abstract

  

Hops, Key to Flavor in Beer, May Prove Useful in New Drugs - Drugs.com MedNews