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Exploring the composition and potential uses of four hops varieties through different extraction techniques
Aleksandra Cvetanović Kljakić1, Miha Ocvirk2, Ksenija Rutnik2
1University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technology, Bulevar cara Lazara 1, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia.
Food Chemistry
|March 13, 2024
Summary
This study analyzed Slovenian hops extracts and essential oils, finding extraction methods significantly impacted antioxidant and antimicrobial activities more than hop variety. Humulene epoxide II showed potential as an anticancer agent targeting BCL-2 and MMP9 proteins.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Chemistry
- Phytochemistry
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Hops (Humulus lupulus) are crucial in brewing and possess valuable bioactive compounds.
- Exploring Slovenian hops varieties and optimizing extraction techniques can enhance their therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize hydrophilic, lipophilic extracts, and essential oils from four Slovenian hops varieties.
- To evaluate the influence of extraction techniques on the biological activities of hops.
- To investigate potential anticancer activity through molecular docking against BCL-2 and MMP9.
Main Methods:
- Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, and hydrodistillation were used.
- Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyzed lipophilic compounds.
- In vitro assays assessed antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities.
- Molecular docking simulations were performed.
Main Results:
- Monoterpenes and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons dominated essential oils, with myrcene being most abundant.
- Extraction technique, not variety, was the primary driver of antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic activities.
- Humulene epoxide II demonstrated favorable binding to BCL-2 and MMP9 protein targets.
Conclusions:
- Extraction methodology plays a critical role in determining the bioactivity of hops extracts.
- Slovenian hops possess compounds with significant antioxidant, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer properties.
- Humulene epoxide II is a promising candidate for further investigation in cancer therapy.
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