Effects of xanthohumol-rich hop extract on the differentiation of preadipocytes

Xanthohumol is a major prenylated, hydrophobic flavonoid found in the female inflorescences of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus L.). In this study, we examined the effects of xanthohumol-rich hop extract containing 17.8% xanthohumol and 12.4% isoxanthohumol on the differentiation and adipogenesis of 3T3L1 cells. We observed that the extract inhibited the differentiation of 3T3L1 cells and intracellular fat droplets via the regulation of adipogenic factors such as the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma, CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha, and adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein.