7,8-DHF is an investigational plant compound and a new nootropic. It has attracted a lot of attention in recent years because it targets a brain receptor that helps grow new neurons. Learn about its potential here.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is a flavone found in plants. It was discovered while searching for molecules that imitate the function of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF<\/a>) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n BDNF promotes the growth of neurons and synapses (synaptogenesis) and is very important for normal brain function. Lower amounts of BDNF are observed in diseases such as depression<\/a>, Alzheimer\u2019s, Parkinson\u2019s, and schizophrenia [R<\/a>, R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Studies in animals show that 7,8-DHF could potentially help with brain repair, long-term memory, depression, and neurodegenerative diseases. However, studies in humans have not yet begun [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 7,8-DHF mimics the effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (<\/strong>BDNF<\/strong><\/a>)<\/strong> in brain cells by activating tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB<\/a>) receptors, the typical target of BDNF [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 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<\/strong> is able to penetrate the<\/strong> blood-brain barrier<\/strong><\/a> and enter the central nervous system (CNS) [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 7,8-DHF also increases the production of Nrf2<\/a>. Nrf2 increases antioxidants enzymes such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1<\/a>) and also enzymes that repair DNA (8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 – OGG1) [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 7,8-DHF rescues cells from damage and death caused by oxidative stress<\/a> [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Cells do not need to have the TrkB receptor to be protected [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In this case, 7,8-DHF:<\/p>\n Because of the relatively low apparent bioavailability of 7,8-DHF (about 5% in mice), researchers are currently developing prodrugs that can be converted to 7,8-DHF once inside the body. The most promising of these is currently known as R13, which has eliminated plaques associated with Alzheimer\u2019s disease in the brains of living mice [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n R13 has not yet been tested in humans, and we do not recommend using it until such studies are conducted.<\/p>\n No clinical evidence supports the use of 7,8,-DHP for any health condition<\/strong>, as all research thus far has been preclinical. Below is a summary of the existing animal and cell-based research, which should guide further investigational efforts. However, the studies listed below should not be interpreted as supportive of any health benefit.<\/p>\n 7,8-DHF improved object recognition (a test used to determine learning and memory) in healthy rats when given immediately following and three hours after learning. It also improved memory in mice with dementia [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n In rat models of post-traumatic stress<\/a> disorder (PTSD<\/a>), 7,8-DHF prevented stress-related memory impairment [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 7,8-DHF also improved memory in aging rats [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n 7,8-DHF promoted the repair of damaged neurons [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n It also increased the production of new neurons in the brains of adult mice after brain injury and promoted neuron growth in aged mice [R<\/a>, R<\/a>].<\/p>\n Similarly, 7,8-DHF, along with exercise<\/a>, improved brain function in rats that experienced traumatic brain injury [R<\/a>].<\/p>\n<\/a>Mechanism of Effect<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Antioxidant Activity<\/h4>\n
\n
<\/a>R13 in Alzheimer\u2019s Disease<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>Animal & Cell Research on 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
<\/a>1) Memory and Learning<\/span><\/h3>\n
<\/a>2) Brain Repair<\/span><\/h3>\n