Biological Activity

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is a monophenolic flavone with diverse effects. It acts as an agonist of the neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor TrkB (Kd = 320 nM), protecting neurons that express TrkB from apoptosis. 7,8-DHF is neuroprotective in an animal model of Parkinson’s disease. It supports emotional learning in mice and reverses memory deficits in a mouse model of Alzheimer’s disease. It also improves motor function and extends survival in an animal model of Huntington’s disease. 7,8-DHF inhibits the cytochrome P450 aromatase (IC50 = 10 μM) and, in this way, alters estrogen metabolism. It also has antioxidant action that increases intracellular glutathione synthesis and scavenges reactive oxygen species.

Biochem/physiol Actions

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone is a selective tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB) receptor agonist. It manifests all the therapeutic effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)—such as protecting neurons from apoptosis, inhibiting kainic acid-induced toxicity, decreasing infarct volumes in stroke, and neuroprotecting in an animal model of Parkinson′s disease—without the poor pharmacokinetic profile of BDNF limiting its therapeutic potential.

Side effects

As with any other drug, 7,8-DHF is not without its side effects. However, there are not as many side effects associated with the use of 7,8-DHF as it is a natural product.The following are some reported side effects associated with the use of 7,8-DHF or products that contain it:OverstimulationRestlessnessDizzinessNauseaIrritabilityTrouble sleeping

Mode of action

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF, tropoflavin) is the most common and effective flavone identified in Sophora plants.7,8-DHF mimics the effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in brain cells by activating tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptors, the typical target of BDNF.The therapeutic potential of BDNF is restricted due to its short half-life (less than 10 minutes) and its inability to cross the blood-brain barrier because of its large size. Unlike BDNF 7,8-DHF is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system (CNS) .7,8-DHF also increases the production of Nrf2. Nrf2 increases antioxidants enzymes such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and also enzymes that repair DNA (8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 – OGG1) .