Recent patents on therapeutic activities of xanthohumol: a prenylated chalconoid from hops (Humulus lupulus L.)

Mechanism of Action and Therapeutic Potential of Xanthohumol in Prevention of Selected Neurodegenerative Diseases

Xanthohumol (XN), a bioactive plant flavonoid, is an antioxidant, and as such, it exhibits numerous beneficial properties, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidative effects. The main dietary source of XN is beer, where it is introduced through hops. Although the concentration of XN in beer is low, the large quantities of hop-related post-production waste present an opportunity to extract XN residues for technological or pharmaceutical purposes. The presented study focuses on the role of XN in the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, analyzing its effect at a molecular level and including its signal transduction and metabolism. The paper brings up XN's mechanism of action, potential effects, and experimental and clinical studies on Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Additionally, challenges and future research directions on XN, including its bioavailability, safety, and tolerance, have been discussed.

Effect of Xanthohumol from Humulus lupulus L. Against Gouty Bone Damage in Arthritis of Rats Induced by Mono-sodium Urate

Xanthohumol (XAN) is an isoprenyl flavonoid from Humulus lupulus L. known for beer brewing, and an osteoprotective agent due to its active improvement in bone loss of osteoporosis. This study was first time to investigate its effects on anti-gouty bone injury in rats of gouty arthritis (GA) induced by monosodium urate (MSU). Results showed that XAN could significantly exert anti-inflammatory activity by alleviating swelling degree of joints, reducing serum level of inflammatory factors, improving inflammatory injury and degrading the Markin's score in lesion joint. Meanwhile, XAN could also fight against gouty bone damage by improving pathological changes of bone tissue and parameters of bone micro-structure. Moreover, XAN could even promote bone formation by effectively enhancing expression of Runx2 and OPG, while inhibit bone resorption with depressing matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), MMP-13 and CTSK expression, reducing RANKL secretion, and abating the ratio of RANKL/OPG. Therefore, it was the first time to reveal the mechanism of XAN against gouty bone injury via inhibiting RANKL/OPG/RANK signaling pathway. Above all, this study provided potential strategy for the treatment of GA, and further contributed to research and resource development for hops.

Survival of the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei subsp. paracasei F19 in high-hopped beers

This study aims to enhance understanding of probiotic lactic acid bacteria (LAB) survival in high-hopped beer formulations and their interactions with different yeasts and highlights the fermentation processes, microbial metabolism, and production of distinctive beer flavors. For this, this research used Lacticaseibacillus paracasei F19 (F19), Saccharomycodes ludwigii, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains US-05 (US-05) and Kveik (Kveik) for brewing. Bacterial and yeast cultures were prepared, fermented in wort, and analyzed in different hop concentrations (International Bitterness Units - IBU 0, 20, 40). Methods included physicochemical analysis, yeast and bacterial counts, RT-qPCR for gene expression, statistical analysis, and sensory evaluation by sommeliers following BJCP guidelines. Physicochemical analysis showed efficient fermentation across all hop concentrations (IBU 0, 20, 40), with decreasing SG and pH over time due to lactic acid bacteria and yeast metabolism. Higher hop levels (IBU 20 and 40) resulted in less acidic beer, indicating hop interference with bacterial activity. Yeast populations remained stable regardless of hop content, with Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Saccharomycodes ludwigii performing well. Probiotic strain F19 exhibited robust viability in all formulations. Sensory analysis favored higher hop content beers, suggesting consumer acceptance and potential health benefits of probiotic, high-hop beers. Higher hop content hindered sour beer production as only hop-free beers reached low pH levels. Probiotic strain F19 remained viable under high IBU formulations (20 and 40), with these being preferred by sommeliers using BJCP methodology. All yeast strains supported F19 survival. Further studies are needed on gastrointestinal resistance and clinical benefits.

The role of current synthetic and possible plant and marine phytochemical compounds in the treatment of acne

Acne is a long-standing skin condition characterized by plugged hair follicles due to the accumulation of dead skin cells, sebum, and Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) bacteria, causing inflammation, and the formation of pimples or lesions. Acne was recognized in the ancient times by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. Since ancient times, folk medicine from different cultures have comprised herbal and natural products for the treatment of acne. Current acne medications include antibiotics, keratolytics, corticosteroids, in addition to hormonal therapy for women. However, these conventional drugs can cause some serious side effects. And therefore, seeking new safe treatment options from natural sources is essential. Plants can be a potential source of medicinal phytochemicals which can be pharmacologically active as antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic and sebum-reducing. Organic acids, obtained from natural sources, are commonly used as keratolytics in dermatology and cosmetology. Most of the promising phytochemicals in acne treatment belong to terpenes, terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, saponins, tannins, and essential oils. These can be extracted from leaves, bark, roots, rhizomes, seeds, and fruits of plants and may be incorporated in different dosage forms to facilitate their penetration through the skin. Additionally, medicinal compounds from marine sources can also contribute to acne treatment. This review will discuss the pathogenesis, types and consequences of acne, side effects of conventional treatment, current possible treatment options from natural sources obtained from research and folk medicine and possible applied dosage forms.

Bioavailability and Cardiometabolic Effects of Xanthohumol: Evidence from Animal and Human Studies

Xanthohumol is the main prenylflavonoid in hops and has been associated with a wide range of health benefits, due to its anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, and cancer-preventive properties. Increasing evidence suggests that xanthohumol positively affects biomarkers associated with metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This review summarizes the effects of xanthohumol supplementation on body weight, lipid and glucose metabolism, systemic inflammation, and redox status. In addition, it provides insights into the pharmacokinetics of xanthohumol intake. Animal studies show that xanthohumol exerts beneficial effects on body weight, lipid profile, glucose metabolism, and other biochemical parameters associated with metabolic syndrome and CVDs. Although in vitro studies are increasingly elucidating the responsible mechanisms, the overall in vivo results are currently inconsistent and quantitatively insufficient. Pharmacokinetic and safety studies confirm that intake of xanthohumol is safe and well tolerated in both animals and humans. However, little is known about the metabolism of xanthohumol in the human body, and even less about its effects on body weight and CVD risk factors. There is an urgent need for studies investigating whether the effects of xanthohumol on body weight and cardiometabolic parameters observed in animal studies are reproducible in humans, and what dosage, formulation, and intervention period are required. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.