Xanthohumol inhibits proliferation via increasing reactive oxygen species and inducing G1/S phase cell cycle arrest in NG108-15 cells

Xanthohomul (XN), a naturally prenylated flavonoid, is extracted from hops (Humulus lupulus L.; Cannabaceae). XN treated NG108-15 cells significantly decreased cell viability through increased ROS and arrested the cell cycle at G1/S phase. Notably, XN treatment did not induce apoptotic responses. Further research revealed XN-treatment increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels which was alleviated by N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Moreover, XN triggered the phosphorylation of the estrogen-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) and p38 mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK). Intriguingly, our observations indicated that only ERK inhibitor could partly relieve XN-induced G1/S cycle arrest and proliferation inhibition. Hence, XN emerges as a prospective candidate for an anti-neurotumor pharmaceutical agent.