Antiproliferative effect of beer and hop compounds against human colorectal adenocarcinome Caco-2 cells

- Hop bioactives and beer matrix were tested on Caco-2 cells.
- Isoxanthohumol, α and β-acids and iso-α-acids inhibited cell growth.
- A matrix of non-hoped beer showed antiproliferative effect on Caco-2 cells.
- Synergist effects with the beer was noticed most pronounced for α and β-acids.

Xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol, α and β-acids and iso-α-acids from hops exhibit beneficial properties with promising effects in cancer therapy, however information regarding their effects on colon Caco-2 cells is missing. Herein these compounds and a beer base matrix were tested for antiproliferative activity in the referred cells. Xanthohumol did not show antiproliferative activity at concentrations from 0.313 to 20 µg/mL. Isoxanthohumol was able to inhibit proliferation by 25% at 10-20 µg/mL when pure solution and increase 7-13% the activity of the matrix when spiked. α and β-acids and iso-α-acids, presented IC50 values of 16.16 ± 3.11 and 50.61 ± 13.08 µg/mL, respectively. A synergist effect with the beer matrix was noticed for α and β-acids and iso-α-acids which increased the activity by 36% and 23% at 80 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. The antiproliferative effects of the beer matrix components are thus dependent on both brewing process and hops addition.