Abstract: The present invention refers to extraction methods for classified extraction and separation of vegetal and/or animal ingredients by means of a multi step elution process. Particularly, the present invention refers to separation of vegetal ingredients, so for example for the extraction and separation of hops ingredients, using the vegetal self-cellulose as stationary phase. Furthermore, the present invention refers to the use of thus obtained hops extracts for the production of beers, enriched with and depleted of phyto-hormones, respectively, as well as beers enriched with xanthohumol.

Abstract: A process is specified by which the xanthohumol present in hops can be isolated in high yield in an economical manner. In the process an ethanol pure resin extract is first extracted with a liquid or supercritical solvent in which the xanthohumol is insoluble and the resultant extraction residue is first washed with a first solvent mixture and then the extraction residue which has been washed with the first solvent mixture is, after removing the first solvent mixture, extracted with a second solvent mixture, the first solvent mixture having a higher polarity than the second solvent mixture. The hop extract produced from the second solvent mixture has a xanthohumol content of at least 85% by weight.