Compound Monograph
Xanthohumol
Xanthohumol is the principal prenylated chalcone of hops (Humulus lupulus).
Classification
Xanthohumol is a prenylated flavonoid (chalcone), part of the phenolics class. Antioxidant compounds built around one or more phenol rings — the flavonoids, tannins, phenolic acids, coumarins, and pigments behind much of a plant's protective chemistry.
Where Does It Come From? (1)
Xanthohumol is a naturally occurring prenylated flavonoid (chalcone), found in Hops. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Xanthohumol is the main prenylated chalcone found in hops (Humulus lupulus), and therefore occurs in small amounts in beer. It is the best-studied of the hop prenylflavonoids and can convert to the flavanone isoxanthohumol and, downstream, to potent phytoestrogens such as 8-prenylnaringenin. Preclinical research has examined it for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other activities, and it is sometimes marketed as a dietary supplement, but robust human clinical evidence remains limited.
Toxicity & Safety
Xanthohumol is consumed in small quantities through beer and is generally regarded as having low toxicity at such levels. Because some of its metabolites have hormonal (estrogenic) activity, the safety of concentrated supplemental doses is less certain and not fully characterised.