Xanthohumol, a prenylated chalcone derived from hops, inhibits proliferation, migration and interleukin-8 expression of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Xanthohumol (XN) is the major prenylated chalcone found in hops, which is used to add bitterness and flavor to beer. It has been discussed as a scavenger of reactive oxygen species and exerts anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. However, the impact on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and potential adverse effects on non-tumorous hepatocytes have not been examined so far. Methods and Results: XN at a concentration of 25µM induced apoptosis in two HCC cell lines (HepG2 and Huh7). Furthermore, XN repressed proliferation and migration, as well as TNF induced NFkappaB activity and interleukin-8 expression i…