ABSTRACT
Antimicrobial activity of Compounds from Hops (Humulus lupulus) following Supercritical fluid extraction: An Overview

María Betancur1, Jéssica López1*, and Fernando Salazar1
 
Although the female inflorescences of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) are mainly used in the brewing industry, they were first used as a medicinal plant. The antimicrobial potential of secondary metabolites, biosynthesized phenolic compounds, and derivatives such as α- and β-acids have been increasingly researched along with cleaner and more efficient extraction practices. Extraction is one of the methodologies used to isolate components from plant-based materials. Supercritical fluid extraction has become the most commonly used method for removing natural chemical components because it is more environmentally friendly, readily available, and non-hazardous. There is interest among researchers to extract bioactive compounds from hops with benefits for human health. This review describes the antimicrobial potential of compounds extracted from hops. Their composition, antibacterial and antifungal properties are explained. The effect of extraction methods on antimicrobial properties is discussed. Finally, the supercritical CO2 method used to extract the antibacterial and antifungal potential of compounds from hops is reported.
Keywords: Antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, hops, supercritical fluid extraction.
1Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Escuela de Alimentos, Waddington 716, Valparaíso, Chile.
*Corresponding author (jessica.lopez@pucv.cl).