Xanthohumol Microbiome and Signature in Healthy Adults (the XMaS Trial): Safety and Tolerability Results of a Phase I Triple-Masked, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Mol Nutr Food Res. 2021 Apr;65(8):e2001170. doi: 10.1002/mnfr.202001170. Epub 2021 Mar 11.

Abstract

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-1 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.

Keywords: clinical trial; phase I; safety; tolerability; xanthohumol.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial, Phase I
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Biomarkers / blood
  • Body Weight / drug effects
  • Female
  • Flavonoids / adverse effects*
  • Flavonoids / pharmacology*
  • Healthy Volunteers
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Placebos
  • Propiophenones / adverse effects*
  • Propiophenones / pharmacology*
  • Quality of Life

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Flavonoids
  • Placebos
  • Propiophenones
  • xanthohumol