pHix – Matured Hop Extract – Australia

Description

pHix, launched just last year and now available in Australia, is a remarkable natural supplement. It is already gaining an international reputation for its ability to restore metabolic balance through the scientifically evidenced benefits of matured hop extract. Amongst a range of health benefits, it improves energy levels and activates the body’s natural fat-burning abilities, reducing visceral fat around the midriff in many users.

While it’s true that many people are primarily attracted to pHix for weight loss reasons, a surprising range of additional health benefits have been reported, including:

– higher energy levels
– improved cognitive function
– relief from pain
– reduced inflammation
– diminished hunger cravings
– improved sleep quality

The scientific evidence supports this – scroll down for a list of papers.

Every person’s body is individual, with a unique background of conditions and experiences. It follows that responses to pHix are also different – some people notice the initial effects in a few days, while for others it can take two to three months, or even longer. Regardless, there are many anecdotal reports from people who have experienced profound health improvements in the first six months.

It’s important to remember that responses are individual, especially as lifestyle, health factors, and other concerns still play a part. If you have health concerns, please talk to your doctor first. Results may vary. This  product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Buying pHix in Australia

The supplement comes as a tasteless liquid in a sachet that you can simply add to a drink once or twice per day. Each sachet has an effect lasting for up to 9.5 hours.

Buying pHix in Australia: Purchase 30 sachets (one month’s supply) from this site. If you wish to purchase directly from the company, you are welcome to sign up, with no obligation to buy (joining fee US$9.95). 

Internationally (incl. US, CA, NZ, UK): You can purchase supplies directly or sign up as a distributor here. Please note that pHix is still being rolled out internationally and is not yet available in the EU and some other countries.

What about the science?

Hops, the flowering part of the Humulus lupulus plant, are best known for adding bitterness and aroma to beer. But beyond the brewery, hops have been used in traditional herbal medicine for calming nerves, supporting digestion, and promoting sleep.

More long-term studies are needed, although the current clinical research and user experiences point to a safe, natural tool that supports metabolic and emotional health.

Recent studies have made inroads into analysing the effects of this supplement – you can find a growing list of research papers at the bottom of this page.

How pHix differs from regular hop extract

Matured hop extract is a refined version of standard hop extract. Yet unlike typical hop preparations, this newer form is specially processed to increase beneficial compounds while removing elements responsible for unpalatable bitterness.

Importantly, the alpha acids found in traditional hop extracts, which can cause stomach upset in some people, have been transformed through the maturation process. The modified form of oxidized hop bitter acids — i.e. compounds such as humulinones and isohumulones — are better tolerated by the body. They have also been the focus of new scientific interest for their health-related properties.

 

Scientifically Supported Health Benefits of Matured Hop Extract

Helps Reduce Visceral Fat

One of the most significant findings in recent research is matured hop extract’s potential to reduce visceral fat — the deep abdominal fat linked to metabolic disorders. In a randomized, double-blind study, subjects who consumed oxidized hop bitter acids showed measurable reductions in visceral fat over a 12-week period. Other studies have shown an effect on appetite control.

Supports Better Sleep

Matured hop extract has been shown to support natural sleep processes. In clinical settings, participants reported improvements in sleep latency and quality. This is attributed to compounds produced during hop aging, such as 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol, which have a mild sedative effect.

Reduces Stress and Anxiety

Another area of growing evidence is stress regulation. Controlled trials have indicated that matured hop extract may help reduce symptoms of mild anxiety and tension, likely through interaction with neurotransmitter pathways involved in mood regulation.

Enhances Cognitive Function

Recent studies have highlighted the potential of matured hop extract in supporting cognitive health. A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover study found that bitter acids from mature hops improved cognitive and mental function via the vagus nerve, one of the autonomic nerves.

Additionally, animal studies have demonstrated that matured hop bitter acids can increase norepinephrine levels in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with memory and learning, leading to improved cognitive performance.

Anti-Inflammatory and Metabolic Effects

Beyond fat metabolism, oxidized hop bitter acids also show anti-inflammatory activity. Early research suggests these compounds may help reduce low-grade inflammation associated with metabolic syndrome, possibly aiding in blood sugar regulation and cardiovascular health.

Is It Safe?

Matured hop extract is generally well-tolerated, especially compared to raw or beer-grade hop extracts.

The newer generations of the extract are specifically formulated to reduce bitterness and gastrointestinal side effects. However, individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or those taking sedatives should speak with a healthcare provider before use.

However, it is advisable to talk to your doctor or medical advisor if you have health concerns.

References

Ayabe, T., Ohya, R., Taniguchi, Y. et al. Matured Hop-Derived Bitter Components in Beer Improve Hippocampus-Dependent Memory Through Activation of the Vagus Nerve. Sci Rep 8, 15372 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-33866-1

Bolton, JL et al. The Multiple Biological Targets of Hops and Bioactive Compounds. Chem. Res. Toxicol. 2019, 32, 2, 222–233.

Fukuda, T., Ayabe, T., Ohya, R. et al. Matured hop bitter acids improve spatial working and object recognition memory via nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Psychopharmacology 236, 2847–2854 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00213-019-05263-7

Morimoto-Kobayashi Y, Ohara K, Takahashi C, Kitao S, Wang G, Taniguchi Y, et al. (2015) Matured Hop Bittering Components Induce Thermogenesis in Brown Adipose Tissue via Sympathetic Nerve Activity. PLoS ONE 10(6): e0131042. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0131042

Morimoto-Kobayashi, Y., Ohara, K., Ashigai, H. et al. Matured hop extract reduces body fat in healthy overweight humans: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study. Nutr J 15, 25 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-016-0144-2

Rosa et al. Hop extracts and their utilizations: perspectives based on the last 10 years of research, Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Apr 2024, https://doi.org/10.1590/s2175-97902024e23905

Suzuki S, Morimoto-Kobayashi Y, Takahashi C, Taniguchi Y, Katayama M. Genetic, acute and subchronic toxicity studies of matured hop extract produced by extraction from heat-treated hops. J Toxicol Sci. 2018;43(7):473-484. doi: 10.2131/jts.43.473. PMID: 29973479.

Suzuki, S., Yamazaki, T., Takahashi, C. et al. The relationship between the effect of matured hop extract and physical activity on reducing body fat: re-analysis of data from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled parallel group study. Nutr J 17, 98 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-018-0405-3

Walker, Edward G et al. An extract of hops (Humulus lupulus L.) modulates gut peptide hormone secretion and reduces energy intake in healthy-weight men: a randomized, crossover clinical trial The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Volume 115, Issue 3, 925-940 March 2022

Yamazaki, T. et al. Secretion of a gastrointestinal hormone, cholecystokinin, by hop-derived bitter components activates sympathetic nerves in brown adipose tissue. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry, Vol 64, 2019, 80-87, ISSN 0955-2863, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnutbio.2018.10.009