Existing medical data states that the compounds in hops show promise in warding off some disease processes, including those related to metabolic syndrome. Hops has a flavanoid compound called xanthohumol and this is felt to possibly have antiviral, anti-clotting, anti-inflammatory, and even anti-tumor activity.
Studies have also demonstrated the broad-spectrum chemopreventive properties of xanthohumol on cells: induction of detoxification enzymes, inhibition of angiogenesis and inflammatory signals, cytoprotective effects, induction of apoptosis, inhibition of free radicals and procarcinogens. (These statements have not been verified by the FDA)