Dr. Grey AI

Matured Hop Extract

Matured hop extract (MHBA) consists of iso-α-acids from hops (Humulus lupulus) that have undergone oxidation during storage, converting to more complex bitter compounds. Found in aged beer and marketed as a supplement. NO GRADED OUTCOMES - limited research. Proposed benefits include cognitive function, anti-inflammatory effects, and metabolic health. Different from fresh hop extracts used for sleep/relaxation. Research is emerging but insufficient for recommendations.

Quick Answer

What it is

Matured hop extract (MHBA) consists of iso-α-acids from hops (Humulus lupulus) that have undergone oxidation during storage, converting to more complex bitter compounds. Found in aged beer and marketed as a supplement.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Cognitive Function
  • Grade C: Mood and Anxiety
  • Grade C: Body Fat

Safety

No specific caution or interaction language was detected in the current summary/outcome notes.

ℹ️ Quick Facts: Matured Hop Extract

Quick Facts: Matured Hop Extract

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:4
  • Research Outcomes:5
  • Key Effect:Age-Associated Memory Impairment and Cognitive Decline (AAMCD)
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C3
D2
4 conditions · 5 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Cognitive Function
Three RCTs in middle-aged to older adults (n=100, n=60, n=34) found MHBA (35 mg/day) significantly improved divided attention (SDMT, p=0.045), verbal fluency (p=0.034), Stroop test performance (p=0.019), and attention/executive function after single dose. Multiple animal studies show MHBA improves hippocampus-dependent memory via vagus nerve activation and norepinephrine release, with nicotinic acetylcholine receptor involvement.
small↑Improves
C
Mood and Anxiety
An RCT (n=60) found 12 weeks of MHBA (35 mg/day) significantly improved subjective fatigue and anxiety vs placebo. An RCT (n=100) found significantly lower beta-endorphin levels suggesting improved mood state. A pilot study (n=97) of non-alcoholic beer with MHBA showed improved total mood state including anxiety, depression, fatigue, and vigor after 3 weeks. Animal data show MHBA reduces LPS-induced depression-like behavior via vagus nerve-mediated norepinephrine release.
small↑Improves
C
Body Fat
One large RCT (n=200) found 35 mg/day MHBA significantly reduced visceral fat area after 8 and 12 weeks and total body fat area after 12 weeks vs placebo in healthy overweight adults. Animal studies show MHBA induces thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue via sympathetic nerve activity, increasing UCP1 expression, and reduces body weight gain in diet-induced obese mice.
small↓Improves
D
Neuroinflammation
In rodent models, MHBA and hop bitter acids containing beta-carbonyl moieties prevented inflammation-induced cognitive decline via the vagus nerve and noradrenergic system. MHBA reduced hippocampal IL-1beta levels in LPS-treated mice, restored dendritic spine density damaged by inflammation, and prevented neuronal loss. Effects were abolished in vagotomized mice, confirming vagus nerve dependence.
moderate↓Improves
D
Autonomic Nervous System Function
A randomized placebo-controlled crossover trial (n=34) found a single dose of MHBA significantly increased high-frequency heart rate variability (HF power, p=0.033) and total power (p=0.025) during cognitive tasks compared to placebo, suggesting enhanced parasympathetic (vagal) tone. This is consistent with the proposed vagus nerve activation mechanism identified in animal studies.
small↑Improves

Research Citations (9)

Effect of non-alcoholic beer containing matured hop bitter acids on mood states in healthy adults: A single-arm pilot study
(2022)
PMID: 34741379
Supplementation with Matured Hop Bitter Acids Improves Cognitive Performance and Mood State in Healthy Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline
(2020)
PMID: 32474473
Effects of Hop Bitter Acids, Bitter Components in Beer, on Cognition in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial
(2020)
PMID: 31808686
Hop bitter acids containing a β-carbonyl moiety prevent inflammation-induced cognitive decline via the vagus nerve and noradrenergic system
(2020)
PMID: 33208787
Matured Hop Bitter Acids in Beer Improve Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Depression-Like Behavior
(2019)
PMID: 30760978
Matured hop bitter acids improve spatial working and object recognition memory via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
(2019)
PMID: 31069423
Matured Hop-Derived Bitter Components in Beer Improve Hippocampus-Dependent Memory Through Activation of the Vagus Nerve
(2018)
PMID: 30337611
Matured hop extract reduces body fat in healthy overweight humans: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study
(2016)
PMID: 26960416
Matured Hop Bittering Components Induce Thermogenesis in Brown Adipose Tissue via Sympathetic Nerve Activity
(2015)
PMID: 26098641

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