International Journal of Horticulture, 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 381-393 http://hortherbpublisher.com/index.php/ijh 388 2015; Hong et al., 2021) Flavonoids, including xanthohumol and its derivatives, contribute to the overall antioxidant capacity of hops, protecting cells from oxidative stress and reducing inflammation (Keukeleire et al., 2003; Mishra et al., 2019). Active hop metabolites have been reported to be effective for human being to fight against virus such as Covid -19 in recent years. 7.2 Applications of hop extracts in functional foods The development of hop extracts for use in functional foods, beverages, and health products is a burgeoning field. The bioactive compounds in hops, particularly xanthohumol, have shown promise as food additives due to their numerous positive biological effects. Xanthohumol's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it an attractive ingredient for functional foods aimed at promoting health and preventing disease (Stevens and Page, 2004; Liu et al., 2015). In the brewing industry, hops are traditionally used for their bittering, flavoring, and preservative properties. However, the potential applications of hop extracts extend beyond beer production. The incorporation of hop extracts into functional foods and beverages can enhance their health benefits, providing consumers with products that support overall well-being. For instance, xanthohumol-enriched beverages could offer antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits, while hop-derived terpenes could be used to create functional foods with enhanced flavor and health-promoting properties (Steenackers et al., 2015; Killeen et al., 2017; Hong et al., 2021). Moreover, the use of hop extracts in health products, such as dietary supplements, is gaining traction. The pharmacological profile of xanthohumol, including its safety and efficacy, supports its potential use as a dietary supplement to promote health and prevent chronic diseases (Yilmazer et al., 2011; Liu et al., 2015). The development of hop-based functional foods and health products represents a promising avenue for leveraging the bioactive compounds in hops to improve public health. 7.3 Medicinal potential and future research directions The medicinal potential of active compounds in hops, particularly xanthohumol, is a subject of growing interest. Xanthohumol has demonstrated significant anticancer activity, selectively affecting cancer cells and inhibiting key signaling pathways involved in cancer progression. This makes it a promising candidate for cancer prevention and therapy (Jiang et al., 2018). Additionally, xanthohumol's ability to inhibit α-glucosidase suggests its potential in managing metabolic health, particularly in the context of type 2 diabetes (Liu et al., 2014). The neuroprotective effects of xanthohumol and other hop-derived compounds are also being explored. These compounds have shown potential in protecting neurons from oxidative stress and inflammation, which are key factors in neurodegenerative diseases. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the mechanisms underlying these effects and to develop effective hop-based therapies for neuroprotection (Stevens and Page, 2004; Liu et al., 2015). Future research directions include the identification and characterization of additional bioactive compounds in hops, as well as the optimization of extraction and formulation methods to enhance their bioavailability and efficacy. Advances in biotechnology and molecular breeding could also play a role in increasing the levels of beneficial compounds in hops, thereby enhancing their medicinal potential (Mishra et al., 2019; Hong et al., 2021). The secondary metabolites in hops, particularly xanthohumol, terpenes, and flavonoids, exhibit significant physiological functions and hold promise for various applications in functional foods, beverages, and health products. The medicinal potential of these compounds, particularly in cancer prevention, metabolic health, and neuroprotection, warrants further investigation. Continued research and development in this field could lead to innovative hop-based products that promote health and well-being.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ4ODYzNA==