Xanthohumol inhibits proinflammatory pathways in different independent mechanisms. Ir inhibits farnesoid X receptor activity, and reduces the synthesis and release of different proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p70, TNFα and interferon γ. The pathomechanism of its anti-inflammatory activity is associated with the suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B. Additionally, Xanthohumol inhibits inflammatory-induced endothelial disorders, which are associated with an improvement in blood velocity and a reduction in the risk of arterial thrombosis, especially in pulmonary arteries. An increase in proinflammatory release, known as cytokine storm, as well as increased incidences of vascular thrombosis, are observed in coronavirus infection. Hence, Xanthohumol may reduce the severity of the clinical course in COVID-19 patients.
It has been well documented that coronavirus COVID-19 disease is associated with massive inflammatory response and cytokine storm. Several medications have been used to ameliorate COVID-19-related inflammation. Xanthohumol, a natural medication extracted from hop cones, possesses strong anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the severity of inflammatory response. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of Xanthohumol on clinical course, inflammatory response and outcome in patients admitted to the ICU due to COVID-related acute respiratory failure with an oxygenation index (PaO2/FiO2) less than 150.