XANTHOHUMOL - THE MIRACLE MOLECULE

FROM ANTI-INFLAMMATORY TO ANTICANCER AND ANTI-NEURODEGRADATION PROPERTIES

RESEARCH ON XANTHOHUMOL

Xanthohumol is a flavonoid found in the female cones of the common hop (Humulus Lupulus L.). The scientific world has been looking at this natural compound for many years and has conducted studies on it for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, neuroprotective, anti-cancer, autoimmune and weight loss promoting properties.

Research on xanthohumol is being conducted both in vitro, i.e. under laboratory conditions, and in vivo - in animals. Also human clinical trials are also increasingly emerging. Many of these studies indicate that xanthohumol may have great potential in maintaining health. Perhaps this is the 'golden mean' the world has been searching for years.

ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES AND DISEASE PREVENTION

Antioxidants are molecules that neutralise harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause oxidative damage to our cells, leading to chronic inflammation and the development of disease. Antioxidants prevent or delay this damage by neutralising free radicals before they can do harm to our body.

Xanthohumol has been found to have strong antioxidant properties (1), which may help protect against oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. These properties make xanthohumol a promising candidate for the prevention of chronic diseases (2).

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT AND STRENGTHENING OF THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Inflammation is a natural process that helps our bodies fight infection and injury. However, chronic inflammation can lead to many diseases, including cancer, heart disease and autoimmune disorders.

Anti-inflammatory effect

Xanthohumol has been found to have anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines and reducing inflammation. Xanthohumol also reduces the activation of NF-κB, a transcription factor that regulates inflammation and is often over-activated in chronic inflammatory diseases. (3)

Reduces inflammation

The efficacy of xanthohumol in reducing inflammation is extremely demonstrated in the support of COVID-19 treatment. Research has proven that xanthohumol significantly improves the clinical course in critically ill patients with this disease. Perhaps here lies the solution to future epidemiological problems. (4)

There are many examples of the efficacy of this flavonoid in supporting the treatment of inflammatory conditions - one such example is osteoarthritis (5).

CANCER-FIGHTING POTENTIAL OF XANTHOHUMOL

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide. The development and progression of cancer is a complex process that involves various genetic and environmental factors. Studies have shown that xanthohumol can inhibit the growth of cancer cells in different types of cancer. Xanthohumol induces cancer cell death (6) and inhibits tumour formation and metastasis (7). Xanthohumol reduces inflammation, which is a key factor in cancer development and progression. Studies have shown that xanthohumol weakens the problems that are caused by cancer cells in the lymphatic barrier. This means that it helps to prevent the spread of cancer (8). Here are some examples of cancers in which xanthohumol has been used to treat:

BREAST CANCER A study was already conducted in 2014. The effect of xanthohumol on human breast cancer cells in vitro was investigated. The results showed that xanthohumol can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells and lead to their apoptosis (9), indicating that xanthohumol therapy may be effective in the treatment of breast cancer.

PROSTATE CANCER As we can read in the name of the scientific study itself: "Prostate cancer and breast cancer cell death induced by xanthohumol (...)" (10)

LUNG CANCER As early as 2015, researchers from the University of Malaya published the results of an animal and in vitro study showing that xanthohumol can inhibit the growth of lung cancer cells and lead to their apoptosis. (11)

NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA In the conclusion to the study, we can read: "Our research provides sufficient evidence to confirm that Xn (...) is expected to become a safe and acceptable treatment option for human NPC". (12)

CERVICAL CANCER Another study ( at the University of Malaysia ) indicates in the title itself that xanthohumol induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells. (13)

BILIARY TRACT CANCER The summary of the study by the Medical College of Wisconsin reads: " (...) xanthohumol significantly reduced cholangiocarcinoma growth through the Notch1/AKT signaling axis. Furthermore, known pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of XN supports continued development of treatment for cholangiocarcinoma." (14)

MULTIPLE MYELOMA Research by Polish scientists ( Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin and the Medical University of Lublin ) based on in vitro studies, indicates that xanthohumol may be an effective tool for treating multiple myeloma. (15)

PANCREATIC CANCER This time, researchers from the Medical University of Poznan prove that xanthohumol in combination with phenyl isothiocyanate had significantly greater effects in eliminating the growth of pancreatic cancer cells. (16)

GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME As the study reads: "In the present study, we demonstrated that the natural compound xanthohumol has a profound anti-tumor effect on GBM via direct inhibition of glycolysis.” (17)

COLON CANCER Another study confirming that xanthohumol causes a dramatic decrease in the viability of human colon cancer cells. (18)

LARYNGEAL CANCER (19)

LEUKEMIA (20)

HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA (20)

INTESTINAL CANCER (20)

CHERNIA (20)

ADENOCARCINOMA (21)

EFFECTS OF XANTHOHUMOL ON CARDIOVASCULAR HEALTH

Xanthohumol has been shown to have cardioprotective effects by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation. In vitro and in vivo studies suggest that xanthohumol may have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system by lowering blood pressure (22).

It may also be beneficial in regulating cholesterol levels (23). It has been found to reduce intestinal cholesterol absorption and increase faecal cholesterol excretion in animals. This could potentially lower LDL cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Therapeutic effect on arterial calcification

Their findings also suggest an attenuating effect on the deposition of atherosclerotic plaques in the arteries (24), indicating a positive aspect of its use as a functional agent.

Xanthohumol also has therapeutic effects on vitamin D3-induced arterial calcification. (25)

Ischaemic heart disease is the first leading cause of death among cardiovascular patients worldwide. Also in this field, xanthohumol shows a protective effect on the cardiac system. (26)

Other studies have shown that xanthohumol "prevents thrombosis without increased bleeding risk by inhibiting platelet activation and mtDNA release". (27)

INHIBITION OF NEURODEGRADATIVE DISEASES

Xanthohumol has been shown to have immunomodulatory effects, i.e. it can stimulate the immune system when it is underactive and suppress it when it is overactive. This makes xanthohumol a potential therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissues. (28)

The brain is one of the most important organs in the body and plays a key role in cognitive function, memory and overall wellbeing. As we age, brain function can deteriorate, leading to cognitive impairment and neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. Xanthohumol's potential in reducing brain cell changes in Alzheimer's-like cases is also apparent. (29)

It also inhibits amyloid-β aggregation and has neuroprotective effects in Alzheimer-like diseases. (30)

Xanthohumol properties for brain cells

Studies have also shown that xanthohumol can improve cognitive function: improve memory, learning and can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain. In addition, xanthohumol has been shown to stimulate the growth of new neurons, which may help prevent or slow the progression of neurological disorders. (31)

Xanthohumol also protects neurons from damage due to cerebral ischaemia, according to an experimental stroke study. (32)

The antidepressant properties (33) of xanthohumol therapy have also been observed and it has shown anti-anxiety effects. (34)

XANTHOHUMOL AS AN AID IN THE TREATMENT OF ENDOMETRIOSIS

It was also noted that xanthohumol inhibits the growth and vascularisation of developing endometriotic lesions, which many women face.

Additional analyses showed that xanthohumol treatment had no effect on the histomorphology, proliferation and vascularisation of the uterine and ovarian horns. (35)

XANTHOHUMOL AS AN AID TO WEIGHT CONTROL

Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of a number of health problems, including heart disease, diabetes and certain types of cancer.

Research suggests that xanthohumol has potential as an aid to weight control. It can reduce fat cell accumulation, increase energy utilisation, leading to weight loss and maintenance of correct weight levels.

In addition, xanthohumol has been shown to improve glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity, which may help prevent or manage diabetes.

The results of the research to date suggest that xanthohumol may have significant potential as a natural and safe supplement to aid weight loss and maintenance. (36)

POTENTIAL DIRECTIONS FOR FUTURE XANTHOHUMOL RESEARCH

Xanthohumol is a powerful compound that has numerous benefits for the body and mind. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties make it a promising candidate to aid in the treatment of many diseases.

Although more research is needed to fully understand the potential of xanthohumol, the available evidence suggests that it can be an excellent addition to any healthy diet and therapy.

Whether you're looking to boost immunity, protect your heart or improve cognitive function, xanthohumol can be a natural solution for many ailments.

WHAT FOODS CONTAIN XANTHOHUMOL?

Xanthohumol is primarily found in hops and can therefore be found in beer. However, the amount of xanthohumol in beer is relatively low and the consumption of large quantities of beer is not recommended due to its negative health effects. The extraction of natural xanthohumol from common hops is a lengthy process and requires specialist knowledge. Its content in the dry weight of hop cones is only about 1%. Supplements with xanthohumol are considered a more reliable source of it.

The problem with taking xanthohumol in dietary supplements available on the market is often the laxative effect. This is due to the fact that xanthohumol has not been thoroughly separated from the other molecules found in common hop cones that cause diarrhoea. Such supplements are not digested in the stomach and are excreted by the body, making the health effects hardly noticeable.

However, Magavena, the manufacturer of „X8” SUPPLEMENT, has used a proprietary method to obtain xanthohumol of high purity and quality and has achieved a formulation that allows this flavonoid to penetrate into the body's cells. It has been specially adapted so that the body absorbs it without difficulty after direct ingestion.

WHAT AMOUNT OF XANTHOHUMOL SHOULD BE TAKEN?

Scientific studies have shown that taking 24 mg per day of xanthohumol for eight weeks was safe and well tolerated in healthy adult volunteers. The absence of abnormal values in clinical biomarkers - including those for liver and kidney function, electrolytes, fasting glucose and blood counts - suggests overall safety and no harm to major organ systems. Where there were significant differences in laboratory values, the observed changes did not show a sustained or progressively worsening pattern over the course of the study.

All reported side effects were mild, and most were reported in both study groups were investigator-induced. Tolerability results suggest that xanthohumol does not adversely affect quality of life and none of the 30 participants taking xanthohumol chose to withdraw from the study due to side effectss. (37)

The recommended dose of xanthohumol varies depending on the intended use of the supplement. It is important to follow the recommended dose on the supplement label and to consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting supplementation.

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR THE USE OF XANTHOHUMOL

Xanthohumol is metabolised by cytochromes P450 (CYP), a family of enzymes involved in the metabolism of drugs and other chemicals in the body. There are no confirmed side effects in taking the pure form of xanthohumol in combination with drugs. However, it is worth bearing in mind and consulting your doctor or pharmacist before supplementing with xanthohumol in combination with anticoagulants, painkillers, antidepressants, antiemetics, blood pressure lowering drugs, etc.

RESEARCH IS STILL ONGOING

Research on the properties of xanthohumol is still ongoing, so this article will be periodically updated.