Compound Found in Hops and Beer Improves Cognitive Function in the Young

When you think of beer, you don't necessarily think of your cognitive abilities improving. Yet scientists have found that xanthohumol, a type of flavonoid found in hops and beer, can actually improve cognitive function in young mice.

Flavonoids are compounds found in plants that often give them their color. Found in blueberries, dark chocolate and red wine, flavonoids have long been known to have apparent nutritional benefits. That's why researchers decided to further study xanthohumol, which may have possible value in treating metabolic syndrome, a condition associated with obesity, high blood pressure and other concerns.

"Our goal was to determine whether xanthohumol could affect a process we call palmitoylation, which is a normal biological process but in older animals may become harmful," said Daniel Zamzow, one of the researchers, in a news release. "Xanthohumol can speed the metabolism, reduce fatty acids in the liver and, at least with young mice, appeared to improve their cognitive flexibility, or higher level thinking."

In this case, the researchers studied the use of xanthohumol in high dosages, far beyond what would be obtained by diet alone. In fact, a person would have to drink 2,000 liters of beer a day to reach the same xanthohumol levels used in the study. In the end, the researchers found that while young mice received benefits, older mice did not improve in cognitive flexibility. That said, xanthohumol is likely to still be useful.

"This flavonoid and others may have a function in the optimal ability to form memories," said Kathy Magnusson, one of the researchers. "Part of what this study seems to be suggesting is that it's important to begin early in life to gain the full benefits of healthy nutrition."

The findings reveal that, like other flavonoids, xanthohumol certainly has benefits. That said, more research needs to be conducted to see how these benefits may affect both the young and old.

The findings are published in the journal Behavioral Brain Research.