Exploring the Bioactive Benefits of Hops for Skincare and Health Applications

Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) have been extensively investigated for their multifunctional properties across various industries, including food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. This study collected samples from several hop cultivars (Nugget, Cascade, Chinook) and wild-type hops from the Bragança region, Portugal. The plant materials studied comprised cones, stems, and leaves, while in the case of the Nugget byproduct, additional plant parts such as seeds, bracts, and vegetative tissue were also analyzed.

The main goal was to use UV-VIS and HPLC spectrophotometric techniques to assess the chemical composition and pharmacological features of hydromethanolic hop extracts. The presence of several phytochemicals, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and terpenes was associated with the antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory actions of the key bioactive characteristics evaluated. Using enzymatic inhibition tests that target the enzymes tyrosinase, elastase, collagenase, and hyaluronidase, the extracts' sun protection factor (SPF) and dermatological bioactivity were further assessed. Human fibroblast (HFF-1) and keratinocyte (HaCaT) cell lines were used to test in vitro cytotoxicity. The hydromethanolic extracts were found to contain bioactive phenolic compounds, including isoquercetin, kaempferol, rutin, and apigenin. Outstandingly, the extracts exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Cutibacterium acnes and demonstrated significant elastase-inhibitory effects.

These bioactivities highlight the potential of hops as a valuable source of bioactive compounds for future applications in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and nutraceutical development.