Compound Monograph
Humulone
A principal alpha acid of hops, responsible for much of the bitterness of beer after it isomerizes during brewing.
Sources · 1
Where Does It Come From?
Humulone is a naturally occurring alpha acid (acylphloroglucinol), found in Hops. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Concentration
Content by Source
Concentrations not reported. No percent-dry-weight or mg/g figures have been published for this compound in its source plants.
Research & Evidence
Humulone is one of the main alpha acids of hops (Humulus lupulus). During the boiling of wort in brewing it isomerizes to iso-alpha acids (isohumulones), which are the principal source of beer’s bitterness. Beyond its central role in flavor, 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.
