Xanthohumol is a flavonoid secreted in the root of hops often studied by scientists. Known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties, xanthohumol also stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin, and thus participates in delaying the aging of the skin, 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) have discovered that it would also improve the cognitive functions of young mice.
The scientists conducted 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 quicker and more “sharp” to get out of this maze, however, this experiment did not work with older mice.
“The reasoning skills of the young mice were stimulated and the rodents were more dynamic. On the other hand, we did not see any change in the behavior of the old mice, ”explains Kathy Magnusson, principal investigator and professor in the department of biomedical sciences at Oregon State University.
Drinking a beer is not enough to stimulate your brain
But enjoying a few cold, frothy beers as an aperitif isn’t going to make you any 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 diseases, and would also protect our brain” recalls the researcher.
And, good news, flavonoids aren’t just found in hops. Red fruits, cabbage, teacocoa and onions are good sources of these antioxidants.
