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7 8 Dihydroxyflavone
Naturally occurring flavonoid that selectively activates TrkB — the BDNF receptor — and acts as an orally available BDNF mimetic.
Aliases (4)
Overview
What is 7 8 Dihydroxyflavone?
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is a small-molecule flavone that crosses the blood-brain barrier and acts as a selective TrkB receptor agonist — effectively mimicking BDNF signaling. It is investigational in humans, widely studied in rodent models of neurodegeneration, depression, and brain injury.
Key Benefits
Mimics BDNF action to support synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, and dendritic spine density; shows preclinical benefit in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, traumatic brain injury, and learning/memory paradigms.
Mechanism of Action
Selective TrkB receptor agonist that triggers TrkB autophosphorylation and downstream PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signaling, mirroring endogenous BDNF activity. Promotes synaptic plasticity and protects neurons from apoptotic stress.
Pharmacokinetics
What to Expect
- Week 1Tolerability and dose-response.
- Week 2-4Early effect window.
- Week 4-8Peak benefit assessment.
- Week 8+Cycle decision point.
Side Effects & Safety
- Common (>10%): Sparse data; mild GI upset reported in some users at higher doses.
- Less common (1-10%): Headache, mild fatigue, vivid dreams.
- Rare-serious (<1%): Theoretical concern for chronic TrkB overactivation (long-term safety unknown in humans). Cancer risk theoretical (BDNF/TrkB signaling implicated in some tumor proliferation) but unconfirmed at supplement doses.
- Specific watch periods: Long-term safety completely uncharacterized in humans.
References
Jang et al. (2010), PNAS
original TrkB agonist characterization.
View StudyAgrawal et al. (2015), J Cereb Blood Flow Metab
TBI model improvements.
View StudyDevi & Ohno (2012), Neuropsychopharmacology
AD mouse cognitive rescue.
View StudyHow was your experience with this compound?
Anonymous · one vote per session · results below at 5+ votes.
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