Xanthohumol shows exceptionally potent antiviral activity against two major groups of viruses:
DNA viruses – which use a strand of DNA to encode information, the one found, for example, in the nucleus of mammalian cells; from this strand, RNA is formed, on which the virus proteins are synthesised at a later stage.
The second type of virus, i.e. RNA, has no DNA and immediately synthesises its proteins on the basis of its ribonucleic acid (RNA). The most recently known SARS coronavirus, CoV2, belongs to this second group. Here, xanthohumol provides protection at two levels:
1. Before entering the cell, the virus targets the membrane receptor for angiotensin converting enzyme2 (ACE2). The Spike protein present on the virus envelope binds to the ACE2 receptor present in the cell membrane allowing the virus to enter the cell.
ACE2 receptors are particularly abundant on nasal mucous membranes, in alveolar endothelial cells and intestinal epithelium. Hence, we know from experience that our illnesses often start with a runny nose, sore throat and so-called gastrointestinal problems; these are the most common routes of entry for viruses and places where they multiply.
Hence, the blocking of the ACE2 receptor by xanthohumol significantly hinders and even prevents the entry of the virus into the body, so xanthohumol weakens infections.
