Hops (Humulus lupulus, Cannabaceae) cones not only give beer flavor and bitterness, but they also have sedative, antibacterial, and phytoestrogenic properties. They may also prevent cell proliferation, which could have applications in cancer treatment. However, the many bioactive compounds of hops are difficult to characterize. The purpose of this study was to maximize characterization by using two complementary techniques. The authors used “online comprehensive two-dimensional liquid chromatography [(2D LC)] with tandem mass spectrometry and direct infusion Fourier transform ion cyclotron mass spectrometry [(FT-ICR-MS)],” as well as “a reversed phase x reversed phase approach with a shifted gradient in the second dimension.” Together, these methods could be used to discover and identify hops compounds, distinguish cultivars, and monitor storage and processing.

The different constituents of hops exhibit a diverse array of properties depending on the variety, harvest time, and storage of the herb. Previous methods have been unable to…