Compound Monograph
Isoxanthohumol
Isoxanthohumol is a prenylated flavanone from hops that can be converted in the gut into the potent phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin.
Where Does It Come From? (2)
Isoxanthohumol is a naturally occurring flavonoid (prenylated flavanone), found in Hops and Beer. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Isoxanthohumol is a prenylated flavanone found in hops (Humulus lupulus) and, as a result, in beer. It forms largely from the chalcone xanthohumol during the brewing process. Of particular interest, gut bacteria can demethylate isoxanthohumol into 8-prenylnaringenin, one of the most potent plant estrogens known, which is part of why hops constituents are studied in the context of estrogenic activity. Most data on isoxanthohumol come from laboratory and metabolic studies rather than clinical trials.
Toxicity & Safety
Isoxanthohumol is consumed in small amounts by beer drinkers and is generally regarded as low in toxicity at those exposures. Because of its link to estrogenic metabolites, concentrated hops supplements are sometimes discussed with regard to hormone-sensitive conditions, though the practical significance is not well defined.