Bitz, L.; Pihlava, J.-M.; Marnila, P.; Blasco, L.; Paavilainen, V. O.; Hartikainen, M.; Nukari, A.; Tranter, D.; Tenhola-Roininen, T.

The genetically authenticated Finnish hop genotype LUKE 2541, obtained from the wild, was evaluated for antibacterial, anti inflammatory, and anticancer activities. Water extracts from hop cones inhibited the Gram positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus cereus, with MIC values of 0.094 to 0.188 mg/mL, while Gram negative strains showed limited sensitivity. In LPS primed THP 1 cells, both IPA and IPA Control extracts reduced reactive oxygen species formation in a dose dependent manner, with similar IC50 values of 50.4 micrograms per milliliter and 35.4 micrograms per milliliter. This hop genotype also showed clear tissue and solvent dependent antiproliferative effects in human cancer cell lines. Bioactivity was strongly enriched in hop cones and was mainly associated with non polar extracts, particularly the hexane and dichloromethane fractions, which produced marked dose dependent reductions in cell viability. In contrast, aqueous and methanolic extracts were largely inactive, emphasizing the importance of extraction chemistry and tissue selection. Sensitivity varied among cancer cell lines, with colorectal cells generally more responsive and leukemia cells less affected, highlighting cell specific susceptibility. Further research is needed to clarify the underlying mechanisms, evaluate selectivity toward non malignant cells, and identify the compounds responsible for the observed effects.