The Science Behind pHix

New patent-pending extraction process

Recently, scientists have developed a way to extract components of hops that may help prevent weight gain and promote fat/weight loss. With their new patent-pending extraction process they have created a proprietary Matured Hop Extract (MHE), called MHE3™. This process actually makes the active ingredients of the hops extract stronger and potentially more effective at promoting fat-burning, healthy weight management, and supporting the body’s natural functions.

Dr Joseph Ahrens Endorsement of pHix:

I have studied the mode of action and the potential underlying physiology of the hops flower extract. I can without reservation vouch for the scientific integrity of the supporting human and animal research that has been published in leading scientific journals.

In technical terms, a patent-pending extract of hops containing alpha-acid oxides and other extracts, induces thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue (BAT) via specific targeting of PGC-1 alpha expression in BAT mediated by the beta-adrenergic signalling cascade via BAT-SNA activation.

In lay terms, the hops flower extract causes increased metabolism in brown fat tissue which in turn uses other fat tissue as fuel, burning it up. A 12-week study showed up to 60-100% greater fat loss for adults including the hops flower extract in their diet compared to the control group.

Joseph Ahrens has been nominated twice for the Nobel Prize for developing groundbreaking research that helped to shed light on important issues regarding inflammation and how natural food components can improve people’s health and enhance their lives.

Research Articles on Mature Hops Extract

2015:  Matured Hop Bittering Components Induce Thermogenesis in Brown Adipose Tissue via Sympathetic Nerve Activity

Our results reveal that single oral administration of MHB activates BAT-SNA, which induces thermogenesis in BAT of rats. In addition, administration of MHB-supplemented HFD to mice increases the expression level of UCP1 in BAT and ameliorates diet-induced body fat accumulation. Therefore, MHB could be a useful tool in providing functional foods and beverages to reduce diet-induced body fat accumulation and related metabolic disorders

2016:  Matured hop extract reduces body fat in healthy overweight humans: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study

Compared to the placebo group, a significant reduction was observed in the visceral fat area after 8 and 12 w, and in the total fat area after 12 w in the active group. There was also a concomitant decrease in body fat ratio in the active group compared to the placebo group. No adverse events related to the test beverages or clinically relevant abnormal changes in the circulatory, blood and urine parameters were observed in either group.

2018:  Matured Hop-Derived Bitter Components in Beer Improve Hippocampus-Dependent Memory Through Activation of the Vagus Nerve

Together, our results suggest that MHBA improves memory function via stimulation of the vagus nerve and enhancement of NE release in the hippocampus. Vagus nerve activation by the intake of food materials including MHBA may be a safe and effective approach for improving cognitive function.

2019:  Effects of Hop Bitter Acids, Bitter Components in Beer, on Cognition in Healthy Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This is the first study to evaluate the effects of bitter ingredients in beer on cognition, subjective mood, and mental fatigue in a clinical trial. Our findings suggest that hop-derived bitter acids might be beneficial for cognition and mood state.

2020:  Hop bitter acids containing a β‑carbonyl moiety prevent inflammation‑induced cognitive decline via the vagus nerve and noradrenergic system

Bitter acids with a β‑tricarbonyl moiety suppress microglial activation and improve memory impairment induced by inflammation or AD pathology via the activation of the gut‑brain axis and noradrenergic system. Supplements with hop bitter acids, including MHBAs, might be a novel approach for the prevention of cognitive decline and dementia.

2020:  Supplementation with Matured Hop Bitter Acids Improves Cognitive Performance and Mood State in Healthy Older Adults with Subjective Cognitive Decline