Compound Monograph
Humulone
A principal alpha acid of hops, responsible for much of the bitterness of beer after it isomerises during brewing.
Classification
Humulone is an alpha acid (acylphloroglucinol), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Humulone is a naturally occurring alpha acid (acylphloroglucinol), found in Hops. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Humulone is one of the main alpha acids of hops (Humulus lupulus). During the boiling of wort in brewing it isomerises to iso-alpha acids (isohumulones), which are the principal source of beer’s bitterness. Beyond its central role in flavour, humulone and its derivatives show anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies, the latter contributing to the historical use of hops as a preservative in beer.
Toxicity & Safety
Humulone is consumed routinely as part of beer and is regarded as well tolerated at those levels. It has no notable toxicity associated with normal dietary exposure.