Humulone is a chemical compound found in hops (Humulus lupulus). It is an α acid that, together with structurally related compounds, plays a significant role in the brewing process and contributes to the bitterness, flavour, and aroma of beer. This compound, together with many others, constitutes hop resins [1]. Isohumulones are constitutional isomers of humuloneContinue reading “From vine to stein: humulone and isohumulones”
Category Archives: Natural Product of the month
The unbearable lightness of flying
Flying has always fascinated mankind, so much that it has inspired the invention of several devices and machines. Now, however, we are going to talk about a special kind of flight related to witchcraft. While legends about witches are numerous and diversified, being strongly influenced by local traditions, maybe one common trait is that theyContinue reading “The unbearable lightness of flying”
Resveratrol: from plants to human health
Grape harvest season is almost over in Italy. Let’s have a look at a popular compound from grapes and wine: resveratrol, a chemical with many biological activities. This phenolic compound is a stilbenoid present in grapes and several berries (blueberries, raspberries, mulberries, etc.), but also in peanuts. It is found in white, rosé and redContinue reading “Resveratrol: from plants to human health“
Theobromine, a chemical from the «food of the gods»
Enjoyed your Easter chocolate? Well, if like me you are still working on it (😉), please sit down and appreciate a piece of this heavenly food while reading about theobromine. This compound is the main alkaloid of Theobroma cacao (cacao tree) and it is therefore found in chocolate, especially in the dark one [1], whereasContinue reading “Theobromine, a chemical from the «food of the gods»”
It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas
Smells and aromas are profoundly evocative. Those related to Christmas are often connected to our childhood, able to bring us back (at least with the memory) to that awesome time of our lives. This year, we need more than ever this powerful tool to escape at least for a little bit the harsh present reality.WhatContinue reading “It’s beginning to smell a lot like Christmas”
Solanine, the toxic compound in potatoes
Memories of a summer evening (yeah, I still cannot get over the idea that summer is gone), preparing dinner. A question about solanine in tomatoes comes up. A long discussion about solanine, tomatine and other glycoalkaloids produced by Solanaceae plants starts.It seems a nerdy conversation, and maybe it is, but it is actually also aContinue reading “Solanine, the toxic compound in potatoes”
Capsaicin, the painfully hot feeding deterrent…that we love adding to our food
Some days ago, an attorney general in the USA claimed that pepper spray is not a chemical irritant. No idea if he was grasping at straws in a hopeless attempt to justify the use of the spray against protesters, or if this claim was a result of his ignorance. In fact, pepper spray is highlyContinue reading “Capsaicin, the painfully hot feeding deterrent…that we love adding to our food”
I hate to break it to you, but you have been drinking an insecticide all along…
Early morning. You just woke up and you are trying to get in touch with reality. Somebody is talking to you, but you just hear a distant undefined noise and refuse to listen until you have your first cup of coffee. If you could see yourself in this description, you are in good company! AContinue reading “I hate to break it to you, but you have been drinking an insecticide all along…”
PhytoChem 