Isohumulones from hops (Humulus lupulus) and their potential role in medical nutrition therapy

The lipophilic extracts of the common hops (Humulus lupulus) contain compounds that are readily modified to the family of isohumulones (e.g., iso-alpha acids). The isohumulones have been found to reduce metabolic inflammation and insulin resistance, and positively impact dyslipidemia and obesity. These effects are consistent across studies in multiple cell lines, animal model systems and human intervention trials. Mechanistic work has demonstrated that these isohumulones have a unique pleiotropic mechanism of action which is consistent with their demonstrated safety and range of physiological effects. It is suggested from this extensive body of work that specific isohumulones may be important bioactive agents for the application in medical nutrition therapy in the support of diseases associated with chronic inflammation and insulin resistance.