Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated chalcone from hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Large scale isolation productiuon of 14C-labeled XN for animal studies; structure elucidation of metabolites

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Hans Becker
• Subject Area: Pharmacy
• Term: from 2003 to 2005
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 5400634

Starting in 1998 we have analysed beer and hop. Fractions and isolated compounds thereof were tested for their cancer preventive potential in various test systems at the German Cancer Research Institute (DKFZ) under the guidance of Dr. Clarissa Gerhäuser. Xanthohumol (XN), which is found in hop cones at a concentration of about 1% and in beer at about 1 mg/L was identified as a most promising cancer chemo-preventive agent. Based on these results further testing of this compound is advisable, in priority for cancer chemoprevention but also for metabolic studies for activity on thyreoid hormones. Therefore we will isolate sufficient amounts of XN in high purity (ca. 99%). Animal studies will be accompanied by the analysis of the respective metabolites. In order to follow organ distribution of XN we will establish a method to label XN with 14C.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants