Linus Pauling Institute

SCOPE: Xanthohumol, a prenylflavonoid from hops, has been extensively studied preclinically but has undergone limited research in human subjects. A triple-masked, placebo-controlled phase I clinical trial was conducted to examine the safety and tolerability of xanthohumol.

METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty healthy volunteers were randomized to 24 mg day xanthohumol (99.8% pure) or placebo for eight weeks. Comprehensive metabolic panels, complete blood counts, body weight, vital signs, and health-related quality of life questionnaires were assessed every two weeks. Participants were interviewed for adverse events (AEs) throughout the trial. Thirteen of 14 (93%) and 14 of 16 (88%) participants completed the trial in the placebo and xanthohumol groups, respectively. There were no withdrawals due to AEs. There were no clinically relevant, between-group differences in laboratory biomarkers, body weight, vital signs, or health-related quality of life. There were no severe or FDA-defined serious AEs, but non-serious AEs are documented in both the placebo (n = 42) and xanthohumol (n = 58) groups.

CONCLUSION: Over an eight-week period, 24 mg daily xanthohumol was safe and well-tolerated by healthy adults.