7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Our evidence-based analysis on 7,8-dihydroxyflavone features 67 unique references to scientific papers.
NOTE: We are updating our coronavirus (COVID-19) page with evidence as it comes in.
Summary of 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
Primary information, health benefits, side effects, usage, and other important details
7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is a synthetic flavonoid that was initially discovered in a study screening for small molecules that could activate a particular receptor known as tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB), because the peptide produced in the human body that acts on this receptor, called brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), could not be used due to poor absorption into the brain. 7,8-DHF was found to be a potent mimic of BDNF able to act on TrkB in a similar manner. This means that 7,8-DHF could theoretically cause similar effects as BDNF in the brain, and in theory be more therapeutically useful due to its better absorption and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier.
When the TrkB receptor is activated, neurons tend to experience growth and protective effects. The growth tends to affect the dendrites of the neuron which reach out into the synapse to communicate with subsequent neurons, and 7,8-DHF has shown an ability to promote the growth of these dendrites into the synapse to help restore communication between neurons in animal models of cognitive decline (Alzheimer's and aging being researched). Some other supplements such as bacopa monnieri and polygala tenuifolia tend to work via activating this receptor via releasing BDNF in the brain.
There is a possible nootropic use of this flavonoid in otherwise healthy subjects, but the cognitive benefits seen in cognitively unwell rodents may not correlate well to healthy subjects. The evidence to support its benefits in cognitive enhancement in healthy rodents is mixed, and no human evidence exists at all.
Due to 7,8-DHF being a simple and effective activator of TrkB which can cross the blood-brain barrier, it will likely continue being researched for its cognitive effects.
Want to know which supplements you should take?
Examine.com bases all of its recommendations based on research. We’re a trusted resource because we don’t sell or even advertise supplements.
If you’re tired of wasting time and money on supplements that don’t work, our 17 Supplement Guides will help you figure out precisely what to take — and what to skip — based on your health goals and the latest scientific evidence. There’s a reason why over 50,000 customers rely on Examine.com’s independent and science-based analysis.
And best of all — free lifetime updates are included!
I want unbiased recommendations to improve my health »
There are currently no human studies on 7,8-DHF to take human doses from, with all estimates being mathematically approximated from rodent research. The majority of rodent research does use intravenous injections however, with limited studies using oral ingestion.
Oral ingestion does appear to have effects, with rat studies noting:
5mg/kg being effective in the cognitively unwell mouse (chronic usage)
10mg/kg being effective in the cognitively well rat (subchronic use)
30mg/kg in the mouse being acutely effective
This is approximately 1mg/kg for subchronic or chronic usage in humans, with the acute dose correlating to approximately 2.5mg/kg.
Things to Note
Tired of misinformation? Get unbiased info on supplements.
At Examine.com, our incentives line up with yours — getting unbiased information. It’s why we don’t sell any advertising or supplements.
Join over 250,000 people who’ve learned about effective versus overrated supplements, supplement buying tips, and how to combine supplements for safety and efficacy.
Click here to see all 67 references.
