Xanthohumol dietary supplement for telomere maintenance under oxidative stress

Overview

This research program investigates Xanthohumol (XN), a prenylated chalcone derived from hops (Humulus lupulus), as a dietary supplement designed to protect telomere length (TL) in cells exposed to elevated oxidative stress. The project is particularly relevant for overweight individuals, a population in which reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation accelerate genomic instability and telomere shortening. By combining established in vitro DNA damage assays with a controlled human dietary intervention, the program seeks to generate evidence for XN as a novel nutritional strategy to support cellular aging resilience.

The research is led by an experienced team at Medizinische Universität Wien with a track record in clinical XN studies and telomere biology. Collaborations with industry partners ensure access to high-quality XN material and statistical expertise, positioning the program to deliver robust, clinically relevant outcomes.

Technical specifications

Core approach:

• Active compound: Xanthohumol, a prenylated chalcone from hops, administered at a defined dose of 12 mg per day per person based on prior human and animal trials
• Study duration: 14-day supplementation window with follow-up extending to one year for short- and long-term telomere assessment
• Study population: Estimated 50 participants per group, focusing on overweight individuals with elevated ROS levels, compared against healthy normal-weight controls
• Positive controls: Gallic acid and spermidine, compounds with documented in vitro and in vivo telomere-protective effects

Analytical methods:

• Telomere length measurement in lymphocytes and, innovatively, in non-invasively collected buccal cells as surrogates for tissue telomere status
• Comet assays and modified comet assays to quantify ex vivo oxidative DNA damage in lymphocytes after treatment with hydrogen peroxide
• Enzyme-based detection (EndoIII, Fpg) of oxidized pyrimidines and damaged purines
• Oxidative stress biomarkers including malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP)
• Statistical design and power analysis conducted by a dedicated biostatistics expert

Partnership model:

• Collaboration with an industry supplier for XN provision and quality assurance
• Integration with academic expertise in telomere biology, clinical nutrition, and oxidative stress research

Technology readiness level

The program builds on prior preclinical and clinical evidence demonstrating that XN reduces DNA damage in lymphocytes of healthy individuals at defined doses and durations. The current stage involves translating these findings into a targeted human intervention study in an at-risk population (overweight individuals with elevated ROS). The proposed 1.5-year clinical study will validate both ex vivo protective effects and in vivo telomere maintenance outcomes, advancing the evidence base toward a defined nutritional intervention. Successful completion would support further development of XN-based dietary supplements for oxidative stress management and healthy aging applications.