Hop (Humulus lupulus L.), as a key ingredient for beer brewing, is also a source of many biologically active molecules. A notable compound, 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), structurally belonging to the group of prenylated flavonoids, was shown to be a potent phytoestrogen, and thus, became the topic of active research. Here, we overview the pharmacological properties of 8-PN and its therapeutic opportunities. Due to its estrogenic effects, administration of 8-PN represents a novel therapeutic approach to the treatment of menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms that occur as a consequence of a progressive decline in hormone levels in women. Application of 8-PN in the treatment of menopause has been clinically examined with promising results. Other activities that have already been assessed include the potential to prevent bone-resorption or inhibition of tumor growth. On the other hand, the use of phytoestrogens is frequently questioned regarding possible adverse effects associated with long-term consumption. In conclusion, we emphasize the implications of using 8-PN in future treatments of menopausal and post-menopausal symptoms, including the need for precise evidence and further investigations to define the safety risks related to its therapeutic use.

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Volatile aromatic compounds have a major impact on the final organoleptic properties of cider, and their profiles are influenced by a number of parameters that are closely related to production technologies, especially with regard to the raw material, the microorganism used and the fermentation process. In this work, the profiles of volatile compounds (4 fatty acids, 6 higher alcohols and 12 esters) from 34 European ciders were studied using HS-SPME-GC-MS. Volatiles were isolated by HS-SPME using a CAR/PDMS fiber. Analytical data were statistically evaluated using principal component analysis, and differences in composition of volatiles between cider produced using “intensified” technologies and that of ciders produced by traditional production processes were demonstrated. This difference was mainly due to varying contents of some higher alcohols (2-methylpropanol, isoamyl alcohols, hexanol, and butane-2,3-diol) and esters (ethyl 2-methylbutanoate, butylacetate, and hexyl acetate).

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Solid‐phase microextraction (SPME) combined with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is a rapid method for the analysis of different aromatic compounds in beer. However, chromatographic systems are affected by different parameters and optimization is time‐consuming process, but essential for establishing optimal conditions for the quantification of analytes. An automated system consisting of headspace (HS)–SPME extraction combined with GC–MS was optimized for the determination of 19 volatile compounds responsible for important flavours and off‐flavours of beer. The optimisation process consisted of two steps: the SPME fibre type was chosen, and subsequently four extraction parameters (temperature, time, sodium chloride concentration and pH) were optimised by a central composite design model. After optimisation, standard compounds were validated with relative standard deviations not exceeding 15%rel. The square of correlation coefficient for the calibration curves was ≥0.9559, indicating a linear response and the suitability of these HS‐SPME conditions. Copyright © 2018 The Institute of Brewing & Distilling