Xanthohumol from the hop plant stimulates osteoblast differentiation by RUNX2 activation

► Xanthohumol stimulates osteoblast differentiation by RUNX2 activation. ► The mechanisms of osteoblast differentiation by xanthohumol were studied. ► Xanthohumol could increase ALP activity and the expression of osteogenic marker genes mediated through RUNX2 activation. ► Xanthohumol could up-regulate RUNX2 activation via the p38 MAPK and ERK signaling pathway.