Yet another reason to love the microbrews

Research at Oregon State University is generating interest in a micronutrient, xanthohumol, that inhibits cancer-causing enzymes. The flavonoid compound is found in hops and beer made using hops. The cancer-related properties were first isolated by Oregon State 10 years ago, according to Fred Stevens, a researcher with OSU's Linus Pauling Institute and an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry at Oregon State's College of Pharmacy. The press release from OSU goes on to say:

By now, quite a bit is known about the biological mechanism of action of this compound and the ways it may help prevent cancer or have other metabolic value. But even before most of those studies have been completed, efforts are under way to isolate and market it as a food supplement. A "health beer" with enhanced levels of the compound is already being developed.

"We can't say that drinking beer will help prevent cancer," Stevens said. "Most beer has low levels of this compound, and its absorption in the body is also limited. But if ways can be developed to significantly increase the levels of xanthohumol or use it as a nutritional supplement - that might be different. It clearly has some interesting cancer chemopreventive properties, and the only way people are getting any of it right now is through beer consumption."

It's possible, scientists say, that hops might be produced or genetically engineered to have higher levels of xanthohumol, specifically to take advantage of its anti-cancer properties. Some beers already have higher levels of these compounds than others. The lager and pilsner beers commonly sold in domestic U.S. brews have fairly low levels of these compounds, but some porter, stout and ale brews have much higher levels.

Xanthohumol also appears to have a role as a fairly powerful antioxidant - even more than vitamin E. And it has shown the ability to reduce the oxidation of LDL, or bad cholesterol.

The full story is available at the link below.
Link: Anti-cancer Compound in Beer Gaining Interest.

Photo property of Dave Wills, owner of Oregon Trail Brewery and Freshops, a wholesaler of hops. Used without permission.