Flavonoids come from a large family of compounds, synthesized by plants that have a common chemical structure. It is believed that the health effects are primarily due to dietary flavonoids content. Current research indicates that dietary flavonoids show promise for mitigating and/or preventing chronic conditions associated with metabolic syndrome. Xanthohumol (XN) is the major prenylated flavonoid of the female inflorescences (cones) of the hop plant (Humul lupulus): are used in the brewing industry to give beer its characteristics flavor and aroma. XN is the principal flavonoid present in the hop cone extracts and has a prenylated chalcone structure. XN has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. Recent findings suggest that XN may impart health benefits by lowering plasma cholesterol and triglycerides level.
THESIS STATEMENT
How does XN reduce the total effects of metabolic syndrome? Does XN supplementation decrease risk for cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes or obesity?
APPROACH
To examine the role of XN in metabolic syndrome, a chronic six week feeding study was conducted in Zucker (fa/fa) fatty (ZOF) rats- a model for obesity. Plasma cholesterol and triglycerides will be analyzed using Infinity TM Cholesterol Reagent and Infinity TM Triglycerides Reagents kits, respectively (ThermoDMA, Louisville, CO).
EXPECTED RESULTS AND SIGNIFICANCE
Based on previous research, we expect dietary supplementation of XN will improve biomarkers associated with several chronic diseases in a dose dependent manner.