A Phase 2 Clinical Trial: Xanthohumol Metabolism and Signature (XMaS) in Crohn's Disease

This is a double-masked, placebo controlled, randomized clinical trial of xanthohumol, which is a constituent of hops (Humulus lupulus). Hops and its constituents have a long history of use for a variety of conditions. However, knowledge is limited regarding the measurable biological markers of human exposure, and the role of xanthohumol metabolism by microorganisms present in the gut, particularly in individuals with gut pathologies such as Crohn's Disease. This information is necessary for the development of xanthohumol as a potential therapeutic intervention in such conditions.

Inclusion criteria

• Adults 21-50 years of age
• Active Crohn's disease not in remission based on a CDAI score >150
• Willing to take isolated Xanthohumol as a dietary supplement for 8 weeks
• Willing to have blood drawn bi-weekly and fast for 10-12 hours before blood draws
• Willing and able to collect bi-weekly stool samples at home
• Willing and able to collect a 24-hour urine sample before each study visit
• Able to speak, read and understand English
• Must be able to provide written informed consent
• Non-smokers (including tobacco and Cannabis products, combusted or vaporized)
• For individuals of child-bearing potential, willingness to use an intrauterine device (IUD) or two other concurrent forms of birth control (e.g., 2 of the following categories: condoms, spermicide-containing gels, films or sponges; and/or vaginal rings) to prevent pregnancy while enrolled

Exclusion criteria

• Highly variable dosing of anti-inflammatory medications (dose changes more than 1x per week)
• Currently or recent (within last 14 days) taking any dietary supplements containing xanthohumol, flavonoids, or other known "anti-inflammatories" including: curcumin, turmeric, fenugreek, hops, rosemary, ginger, white willow, devil's claw, fish oil (doses>1 g/day), or quercetin. Candidates will be given the option to "wash out" for 14 days and re-contact the study team.
• Consumption of more than 1 beer per day.
• Currently receiving intravenous nutrition support therapy (or within the last 14 days)
• Currently taking anti-coagulant or anti-platelet prescription medications (or they were taken within the last 14 days)
• Currently taking antibiotic, antiparasitic, or antifungal medications orally or intravenously (or they were taken within the last 14 days)
• Initiation of or changes to supplements or medications within 14 days prior to screening.
• Initiation of or changes to an exercise regimen within 14 days prior to screening.
• Initiation of or changes to a food plan within 14 days prior to screening.
• Current involvement or within 14 days prior to screening of a significant diet or weight loss program (such as NutriSystem, Jenny Craig, Atkin's or other low-carb diet programs) or very low-calorie liquid diet programs (such as Optifast, Medifast, and/or HMR)
• Hospitalization (for any reason other than a scheduled medical procedure) within 3 months prior to screening
• Gastrointestinal surgery within 3 months prior to screening
• Malignancy within the last 5 years (with the exception of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and/or carcinoma in situ of the cervix)
• Women who are lactating, pregnant or planning pregnancy within the next four months
• Typical intake of more than 2 alcohol-containing beverages per day, more than 14 per week, or more than 4 in any single day within the past 14 days.
• Smoking tobacco or nicotine products (combusted or vaporized)
• Use of illicit drugs/substances (such as but not limited to cocaine, phencyclidine (PCP), and methamphetamine) within 14 days of screening
• Use of inhaled or ingested Cannabis products, including Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Currently participating in another interventional research study, or participated in another interventional research study within 14 days of screening
• Do not have an active primary care provider or specialist (i.e., gastroenterologist) managing their CD