By modulating the biological pathways involved in inflammation, humulones and bittering acids found in beer may beneficially impact diabetes, cancers, and other diseases.
Previous studies have suggested that beer and its bittering acids, in moderation, have beneficial effects on diabetes, some forms of cancer, inflammation and perhaps even weight loss. Werner Kaminsky, from the University of Washington (Washington, USA), and colleagues employed X-ray crystallography to ascertain out the exact structure of beer’s bittering acids, humulone molecules and some of their derivatives. During the brewing process, humulone molecules are rearranged and the resulting molecular forms have potential to be incorporated into new pharmaceuticals to exert health effects.
