Xanthohumol for Human Malignancies: Chemistry,Pharmacokinetics and Molecular Targets

Xanthohumol (XH) is an important prenylated flavonoid that is found within the inflorescence of Humulus lupulus L. (Hop plant). XH is an important ingredient in beer and is considered a significant bioactive agent due to its diverse medicinal applications, which include anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antifungal, antigenotoxic, antiangiogenic, and antimalarial effects as well as strong anticancer activity towards various types of cancer cells. XH acts as a wide ranging chemopreventive and anticancer agent, and its isomer, 8-prenylnaringenin, is a phytoestrogen with strong estrogenic activity. The present review focuses on the bioactivity of XH on various types of cancers and its pharmacokinetics. In this paper, we first highlight, in brief, the history and use of hops and then the chemistry and structure–activity relationship of XH. Lastly, we focus on its prominent effects and mechanisms of action on various cancers and its possible use in cancer prevention and treatment. Considering the limited number of available reviews on this subject, our goal is to provide a complete and detailed understanding of the anticancer effects of XH against different cancers.     

Anatase Sol Prepared from Peroxotitanium Complex Aqueous Solution Containing Niobium or Vanadium

Niobium- or vanadium-doped anatase sols were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of 0.1 mol/dm³ peroxotitanium complex aqueous solutions dissolving 0–10 mol% niobium or vanadium at 100°C for 8 h. Niobium-doping caused the increase of lattice constants of anatase and the shape change of anatase crystal from spindle-like to cubic-like structure, but no change of the optical absorbance. Vanadium-doping caused the decrease of lattice constant of c -axis, the miniaturization of anatase crystal and the increase of optical absorbance at the wavelength from 350–700 nm.