Xanthohumol in liposomal form in the presence of cyclodextrins: Drug delivery and stability analysis

Xanthohumol, a flavonoid found in hops and a natural component of beer, exhibits strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, making it a promising candidate for anticancer therapies. This study examined the effect of cyclodextrin interactions with the liposomal form of xanthohumol on drug release at 37 °C and 41 °C. Liposomes were prepared using a modified reverse-phase evaporation method, achieving high encapsulation efficiency. Isothermal titration calorimetry revealed the spontaneous nature of complexation with cyclodextrins, supported by favorable thermodynamic parameters. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed enhanced thermal stability of xanthohumol-loaded liposomes. Density Functional Theory calculations showed that xanthohumol's lipophilicity and UV-Vis spectra are conformation-dependent. Stoichiometry and stability constants were determined for the formed complexes. These findings indicate that the liposome-xanthohumol-cyclodextrin complex represents a thermodynamically stable and efficient drug delivery system with potential for targeted therapies under normo- and hyperthermic conditions.