Hops, the cone-shaped buds that give beer its distinctive taste, have been known for hundreds of years to have health benefits in their own right.
But now scientists at the University of Idaho say they are close to synthesising the compounds in hops that can help to keep us healthy.
The compounds the team is interested in are alpha acids called humulones, which have anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties; and beta acids called lupulones, which have equally important but not as well-understood biological effects.
Scientists want to capture the benefits of these substances to help produce new medicines.
Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/03/160314084827.htm