Hop Extract

Beyond Beer: Your Ultimate Guide to Premium Hop Extract (Humulus lupulus L.)

Forget just brewing – Hop Extract is a potent natural ingredient revolutionizing health, wellness, and industry. As a leading supplier, manufacturer, E extract factory, we provide deep insights into this remarkable botanical powerhouse. Let’s dive in.

1. What Exactly IS Hop Extract?
Think beyond beer bubbles! Hop Extract is a concentrated essence derived from the cones (flowers) of the Humulus lupulus L. plant. Using advanced methods like Supercritical CO2 extraction (our specialty), we capture its valuable bioactive compounds – far beyond just imparting bitterness to your pint. This golden liquid is a concentrated source of nature’s goodness.

2. Source & Specs: The Technical Lowdown

• Botanical Source: Humulus lupulus L. cones (female flowers).

• Key Players: Alpha-acids (Humulone, Cohumulone, Adhumulone – the bitter heroes), Beta-acids (Lupulone, Colupulone), Essential Oils (Myrcene, Humulene, Caryophyllene – aroma kings), and valuable Polyphenols (Xanthohumol leading the pack).

• CASO: 8060-28-4 (for the extract complex; specific compounds have their own CAS).

• Formula molecolare (MF): Varies by compound (e.g., Humulone: C21H30O5).

• Peso molecolare (MW): Varies by compound (e.g., Humulone: 362.5 g/mol).

• EINECS: 232-519-5 (for Hop Extract).

• Aspetto: Viscous liquid to powder, golden brown to deep green.

• Solubilità: Soluble in ethanol, oils; limited in water (emulsifiers often used).

3. Finding the “Best” Hop Extract: It’s All About Your Needs
The “best” hop extract depends entirely on your application. As a premier manufacturer, we offer various standardized extracts targeting specific bioactive profiles:

• Standardized Alpha-Acids (30-50%): The classic for bitterness. Usi: Beverage bittering (beyond beer!), digestive bitters.

• Standardized Beta-Acids: Valued for natural preservation.

• Xanthohumol-Rich (1-10%+): The antioxidant superstar gaining massive traction. Usi: Premium dietary supplements, functional foods/beverages, cosmetic actives.

• Tetrahydro-iso-Alpha-Acids (THIAA) / Rho-iso-Alpha-Acids (RIAA): Pre-isomerized for light-stable bitterness. Usi: Canned/bottled beverages where light exposure is an issue.

• Hop Oils / Fractions: For specific aromatic profiles. Usi: Craft beverages, natural flavorings, aromatherapy.

Key Considerations When Choosing:

• Standardization (% Key Actives): Ensures consistent potency and effect. Ask for the COA!

• Extraction Method: Supercritical CO2 (our preference) offers superior purity and solvent-free results vs. ethanol.

• Purity & Contaminants: Rigorous testing for pesticides, heavy metals, microbes is non-negotiable (See our COA table below).

• Origine: European (e.g., Hallertau, Tettnang) and US (e.g., Yakima Valley) hops are renowned for quality. We source premium raw materials globally.

• Form: Liquid CO2 extract, purified powder (often spray-dried on a carrier), oil.

Health Benefits & Usage (As a Raw Material Ingredient):

• Calmante e supporto per il sonno: Hop’s most famous traditional use. Compounds interact with GABA receptors. Typical Use: Combined with Valerian in supplements. Typical Daily Intake Range (as ingredient): 50-300mg standardized extract.

• Powerful Antioxidant Activity: Primarily Xanthohumol and other polyphenols combat oxidative stress. Usi: Anti-aging formulations (cosmetic/supplement), general wellness products.

• Digestive Bitter: Stimulates gastric juice and bile flow. Usi: Digestive bitters, aperitifs. Dose: Small amounts (e.g., 10-50mg) often sufficient.

• Natural Preservation: Beta-acids exhibit antimicrobial effects. Usi: Natural preservative in foods/beverages.

• Emerging Research: Potential benefits for metabolic health, hormonal balance (phytoestrogens), and cellular health are being explored.

Important Usage Notes:

• Not a Drug: This is a raw material for finished products.

• Dosaggio: Highly dependent on the final product formulation and target effect. Always consult formulation experts and safety regulations.

• Side Effects: Generally well-tolerated. Large doses may cause drowsiness. Contraindicated for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or severe depression. Consult a healthcare professional before using hop-based supplements.

• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Avoid due to potential hormonal effects.

4. Meet Your Trusted Hop Extract Partner: Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd.
For nearly three decades, Shaanxi Zhonghong has been a cornerstone in the bioactive compounds industry. We’re not just a supplier; we’re an integrated extract factory and innovation powerhouse.

• Core Expertise: Plant extraction, purification, and application development across:

  • Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements

  • Functional Foods & Beverages

  • Cosmetici e cura della persona

  • Pharmaceuticals (APIs & Intermediates)

  • Natural Colors & Sweeteners

• Scientific Edge (Our R&D Fortress):

  • 5 University Joint Labs: Collaborating with top-tier academic institutions.

  • 20+ Patents: Protecting cutting-edge extraction and purification technologies.

  • Libreria di composti esclusivi: Unique access to rare natural molecules.

• Unmatched Quality Control:

  • Cutting-Edge Labs: Equipped with HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), NMR (Nuclear Magnetic Resonance), GC-MS, and more.

  • Purity Benchmark: Our standards consistently exceed industry norms by 20% or more. Every batch undergoes rigorous identity, potency, and safety testing.

• Global Reach, Local Support: Our network spans Oltre 80 paesi across Asia, Europe, and the Americas. We provide tailored bulk ingredient solutions for multinational corporations, innovative startups, and research institutions.

Product Specifications & Safety: Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Quality and safety are paramount. Every batch of our Hop Extract comes with a comprehensive COA. Here’s a summary of our stringent testing:

Table: Hop Extract Standard Quality Control Parameters (Example)

(Note: Exact specifications depend on the specific Hop Extract product type and grade. Request the full COA for your chosen product.)

5. Behind the Scenes: Our Production Flow

1. Approvvigionamento: Premium, sustainably grown Humulus lupulus L. cones from trusted global partners.

2. Pre-elaborazione: Cleaning, drying, and milling.

3. Estrazione: Primarily Estrazione di CO2 supercritica – a clean, efficient, and selective method preserving heat-sensitive compounds. Ethanol extraction also utilized for specific profiles.

4. Concentration/Purification: Removing solvents (if used) and concentrating the desired actives using techniques like vacuum distillation or fractional separation.

5. Standardizzazione: Blending to achieve precise, consistent levels of key bioactive compounds (Alpha-acids, Xanthohumol, etc.).

6. Formulation: Preparing the final product form (liquid, oil, spray-dried powder).

7. Rigorous QC Testing: Every single batch undergoes our battery of tests (HPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, microbiology) against strict specs. Only passing batches are released.

8. Confezione: Secure, airtight, light-protected containers (drums, totes, bags) suitable for bulk transport, labeled with full traceability.

6. Where Hop Extract Shines: Diverse Applications

• Food & Beverage: Beer brewing (bitterness/aroma), natural bittering agents for sodas/tonics, functional beverages (relaxation, antioxidant), natural preservatives.

• Nutraceuticals & Dietary Supplements: Sleep/relaxation formulas, antioxidant blends, digestive bitters, women’s health supplements, joint health support.

• Cosmetics & Personal Care: Anti-aging creams/serums (antioxidant), natural deodorants (antimicrobial), soothing lotions, hair care products (scalp health).

• Animal Nutrition: Calming supplements, natural preservatives in feed.

• Intermedi farmaceutici: Source for isolating specific bioactive compounds.

7. Quality Control: Our Uncompromising Commitment (300 Words)
Quality isn’t just a step; it’s embedded in our DNA at Shaanxi Zhonghong. Our state-of-the-art QC laboratory, featuring HPLC, UPLC, GC-MS, ICP-MS, E NMR, provides unparalleled analytical capability. We implement strict GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) standards throughout production. Batch traceability is absolute. From raw hop cone inspection through every stage of extraction, purification, and final packaging, we monitor critical parameters. Our specifications far exceed basic industry requirements, particularly in purity and contaminant limits (demonstrated by our +20% purity standard). We conduct identity testing (FTIR, TLC), potency assays via validated HPLC/UPLC methods for alpha-acids, beta-acids, xanthohumol, and other markers, and comprehensive safety screens for pesticides (multi-residue panels), heavy metals, and microbiological contaminants (TPC, Yeast/Mold, pathogens). Stability studies under ICH guidelines ensure product integrity throughout its shelf life. Our dedicated QC team, coupled with advanced instrumentation and rigorous protocols, guarantees that every gram of Hop Extract bearing our name meets the highest standards of safety, efficacy, and consistency demanded by global markets. You get precisely what the label claims, batch after batch.

8. Packaging & Global Logistics

• Confezione: We offer flexible bulk options to suit your scale:

  • Liquid Extracts: Food-grade HDPE plastic drums (25kg, 50kg, 180kg) or stainless steel totes (1000kg).

  • Powders: Double-layer food-grade polyethylene bags inside fiber drums (25kg) or customized sizes. Vacuum packing available.

  • All packaging ensures protection from light, moisture, and oxygen. Labels include full product name, batch number, manufacturing/expiry date, net weight, and safety info.

• Logistica: We are experts in global shipping. We handle documentation (COA, Certificate of Origin, MSDS), customs clearance, and arrange reliable freight (air, sea, land) worldwide. Temperature-controlled shipping available if needed. Tell us your destination, we handle the rest.

9. Deep Dive: Health, Innovation & The Future

• Meccanismi sanitari: Research delves into how hop compounds (especially prenylated flavonoids like Xanthohumol and bitter acids) interact at the molecular level – modulating neurotransmitter systems (GABA for relaxation), activating antioxidant pathways (Nrf2), influencing hormone metabolism, and exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects.

• Industry Applications & Our Tech: Beyond traditional uses, innovation thrives. We develop specialized extracts for enhanced bioavailability (e.g., cyclodextrin complexes), purified isolates (99%+ Xanthohumol), and application-specific blends. Our patented extraction tech minimizes degradation and maximizes yield of sensitive actives.

• Research Frontiers & Challenges: Le aree chiave includono:

  • Validating specific health claims through robust human clinical trials.

  • Improving the bioavailability of key compounds like Xanthohumol.

  • Sustainable farming and extraction practices.

  • Exploring novel applications in areas like metabolic syndrome and cognitive health. Scalability and cost-effectiveness of high-purity isolates remain challenges we actively address through R&D.

10. Hop Extract FAQ: Your Questions Answered

• Q: Is Hop Extract only used for beer?
  UN: Absolutely not! While essential in brewing, its health benefits (calming, antioxidant) and functional properties (bittering, preserving) make it valuable in supplements, functional foods/beverages, cosmetics, and more.

• Q: What’s the difference between Alpha Acids and Xanthohumol extracts?
  UN: They target different compounds. Alpha-acid extracts provide bitterness. Xanthohumol extracts focus on the potent antioxidant, often used in health products. We offer both!

• Q: How do I know which Hop Extract is right for my product?
  UN: It depends on your desired function (bitterness, aroma, health benefit) and application. Contact our technical sales team! We help you select the optimal grade and specification.

• Q: What’s your Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ)?
  UN: We cater to diverse needs. MOQs vary by product and form (liquid/powder). Contact us for specific details. We offer competitive wholesale E bulk pricing.

• Q: Do you offer samples?
  A: Yes! We encourage you to test our quality. Request FREE samples to evaluate suitability for your application.

• Q: How stable is Hop Extract?
  UN: Stability depends on the specific compound profile and form. Generally, store in cool, dark, dry conditions. Liquid CO2 extracts and powders typically have 2-3 year shelf life. See specific COA for storage guidance.

• Q: Are your extracts Non-GMO, Allergen-Free, Organic?
  UN: Standard extracts are Non-GMO and Allergen-Free (Gluten-Free, etc.). We also offer certified Organic Hop Extract – inquire for availability and certification details.

Where to Buy & Get Samples:
Ready to experience the Shaanxi Zhonghong difference in Hop Extract quality and service?

• Buy Bulk Hop Extract: Get competitive factory price quotes tailored to your volume and specification needs.

• Request FREE Samples: Test our premium Hop Extract in your formulations risk-free.

• Contact Us Today!

  • E-mail: sales@aiherba.com, liaodaohai@gmail.com

  • Sito web: www.aiherba.com

  • Ask about: Custom formulations, technical support, documentation.

Conclusione
Hop Extract is a versatile, potent natural ingredient with a rich history and a bright future far beyond the brewery. Understanding its chemistry, benefits, and quality parameters is key to successful application. As a seasoned manufacturer, supplier, E extract factory with deep expertise, cutting-edge technology, and a global footprint, Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd. is your trusted partner for premium, reliable bulk Hop Extract. We provide more than just a product; we offer technical support and solutions to help your product succeed.

Riferimenti

• Zanoli, P., & Zavatti, M. (2008). Pharmacognostic and pharmacological profile of Humulus lupulus L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 116(3), 383-396. (General review)

• Stevens, J. F., & Page, J. E. (2004). Xanthohumol and related prenylflavonoids from hops and beer: to your good health! Phytochemistry, 65(10), 1317-1330. (Xanthohumol focus)

• European Brewery Convention (EBC) & American Society of Brewing Chemists (ASBC) Methods. (Standard Analytical Methods)

• Shaanxi Zhonghong Investment Technology Co., Ltd. Product Specifications & Internal Research Data. (Contact for details)