Isoxanthohumol (abbreviated as IXN or IX), xanthohumol (XN) [
X0068] and 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN) [CAS: 53846-50-7] are important prenylflavonoids found in hops (
Humulus lupulus L.) which have been used as essential ingredient in beer, providing the typical bitterness and hoppy flavor. In 2000s, the plant has gained increasing attention as a source of prenylflavonoids. 8-PN has been identified as one of the most potent phytoestrogens, but 8-PN concentrations in hops are very low. In contrast, isoxanthohumol has limited estrogenic activity, but the concentrations in hops are very high. However, reportedly, isoxanthohumol may be
O-demethylated to 8-PN by human intestinal microbiota. Futhermore, isoxanthohumol reportedly exhibits an antiproliferative activity against cancer cells. In addition, another natural source of isoxanthohumol is a shrub
Sophora flavescens, used in traditional Chinese medicine.
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