Characterization of tricyclic sesquiterpenes in hop (Humulus lupulus, var. Hersbrucker Spat)

Tressl, R.; Engel, K. H.; Kossa, M.; Koppler, H.

Investigations of hops of the Hersbrucker Spat by distillation-extraction, liquid-solid chromatography, and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry led to the characterization of a new class of hop constituents, tricyclic sesquiterpenes. More than 15 components (sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, epoxides, and alcohols) were identified for the first time in hops and the biogenetical relations of the new tricyclic sesquiterpenes to germacrenes, selinenes, and selinadienes were demonstrated.