Xanthohumol is a flavonoid secreted in the root of the hop often studied by scientists. Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, xanthohumol also stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, and thus participates in the delay of skin aging, and in skin healing. In addition, xanthohumol would also help fight against obesity.
In this new study, researchers from the Linus Pauling Institute and Oregon State University (United States) discovered that it would also improve the cognitive functions of young mice.
The scientists carried out an experiment with 49 rodents fed for 8 weeks either with a diet extremely rich in xanthohumol or with a conventional diet.
Then, they released the guinea pigs into an unknown maze to observe how they behaved.
Young mice supercharged with xanthohumol were brighter and more “insightful” to get out of this maze, however, this experiment did not work with older mice.
“The thinking skills of the young mice were stimulated and the rodents were more dynamic. However, we did not see any change in the behavior of old mice, ”said Kathy Magnusson, senior researcher and professor in the biomedical sciences department at Oregon State University.
Drinking a beer is not enough to stimulate your brain
But, enjoying a few cold, frothy beers as an aperitif is not going to make you smarter. Because, the effects of this substance in mice would be possible in humans during extreme consumption. “Xanthohumol is a natural plant component of hops that is only found in the hops used to make beer. A human would have to consume 2000 liters of beer per day to reach the amounts of xanthohumol used in this study with mice, ”explains Kathy Magnusson, co-author of the study.
“But this study confirms that a diet rich in flavonoids is excellent for health. Since they have the assets to fight against cancer, inflammation, cardiovascular disease, and would also protect our brain ”recalls the researcher.
And, the good news is that flavonoids aren’t just found in hops. Red fruits, cabbage, tea, cocoa and onions are good sources of these antioxidants.
