The Potential Role of Xanthohumol in SARS-CoV-2 Treatment—Globally Accessible and Economically Viable

Abstract

Infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has resulted in significant global morbidity and mortality and there are a lack of effective therapies. There is a need for treatment which could be available for all in the global community, as well as within hospital, which is efficacious, affordable and safe. Xanthohumol from hop extract has been shown in vitro and in vivo to have antiviral properties against RNA and DNA viruses but also importantly anti-inflammatory properties against severe respiratory syndrome via inhibition of NFκB dependent pathways. We review the evidence for xanthohumol to be considered as a treatment for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We need an economic and globally available therapy and thinking beyond the traditional is important; thus, studies are warranted to assess efficacy of xanthohumol against SARS-CoV-2.

Keywords:

• COVID-19
• SARS-CoV-2
• xanthohumol
• hops

Disclosure

Martyn Caplin reports acting as a medical advisor to a dietary supplements company, ProfBiotics Altruvita and has received honoraria for academic advisory boards and meeting from Novartis, Ipsen and Pfizer. The authors report no other potential conflicts of interest in this work.