7,8-Dihydroxyflavone Supplement Review, Dosage & Side Effects

The flavone 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone, which is isolated from the leaves of primula and Godmania aesculifolia trees, has been found to exhibit neuroprotective properties.

In laboratory and animal studies, 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone has been shown to mimic the function of an important chemical secreted in the brain. This chemical, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), plays a role in the development and protection of brain cells.

The 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone molecule was first identified in 2010 while scientists were screening compounds looking for ones that prevented neural cell death.

While studies on animals suggest that 7,8-DHF may have some benefits in cognitive function and other areas, no human evidence yet exists. Most of the currently available research has been conducted in mouse models.

The molecule, in supplement form, is being anecdotally studied by reviewers in the amateur nootropic arena.

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7,8-DHF Uses and Benefits

The potential nootropic effects of 7,8-DHF have receive a lot of attention in animal and in vitro studies, but there is no currently available human research data.

Flavonoids and flavones, in general, have been found to support cognitive function and brain cell health in both humans and animals. Flavonoids act as antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds. Other examples include EGCG in Green Tea Extract, proanthocyanidins, quercitrin, rutin and polyphenols in wine.

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone is purported to exhibit similar effects as other flavones, in addition to mimicking the effects of BDNF in the brain. This natural compound has been shown to activate tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) receptors in the same way as brain derived neurotrophic factor.

BDNF has been generally linked to the concept of neuroplasticity and the ability of brain cells to grow and form new connections. More research is needed to demonstrate therapeutic effects, but there is interest in researching 7,8-DHF for conditions involving traumatic brain injury, post-traumatic stress disorder, cognitive decline and memory loss.

In a study where researchers injected 5 mg per kilogram of bodyweight into rats, it appeared that a single dose helped with memory in rats with stress-induced amnesia.

In healthy rats, the molecule appeared to improve learning and help aging rats retain cognition. However, in another study where 7,8-DHF’s effects on both stressed and unstressed rats were tested, there was no benefit to rats that had not undergone stress.

For anxiety, 7,8-DHF appeared to help with memory issues that resulted after rats were exposed to stress. When given 15 days after immobilization stress experiments, 7,8-DHF appeared to reduce the animal’s fear.

The molecule does not appear to have an effect on anxiety in rats where no external stressor was present.

Significantly more research is needed before determining whether this nootropic will be effective for humans or not.

Note: Do not confuse 4′-Dimethylamino-7,8-dihydroxyflavone (4′-DMA-7,8-DHF) with 7,8 DHF. These are two distinct compounds.

4′-DMA-7,8-DHF is a derivative which exhibits higher agonistic activity at the TrkB receptor, is more potent and has a longer duration of effects.

Additional 7,8-DHF Effects

7,8-DHF has also been researched in animal models for its effects on mood, stroke recovery, weight control and addiction.

In a study on mice with depression that involved social defeat, symptoms appeared to be alleviated through injections of 10 mg/kg of bodyweight. The effect was similar in degree to the effects of the same amount of ketamine. However, the effects of 7,8-DHF wore off after six days while the mice who were given ketamine retained the effects.

In female rats with induced strokes, those that were given 7,8-DHF did not exhibit the same level of white-matter damage and cognitive issues. There was no benefit for male rats.

When rats were treated with 7,8-DHF before being subjected to a moderate impact injury, the substance appeared to have a protective effect.

In addition to the effects of BDNF on neurons in the brain, this protein is also secreted after exercise and controls weight gain by increasing the body’s use of energy.

Chemistry & Biology published a study in March, 2015 on the effects of 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone on weight loss and metabolism.

In a study on mice, they found that, in female mice, the molecule sped up metabolism and allowed the mice to eat high fat foods without weight gain or fat accumulation. However, there was no fat burning effect in male mice.

The researchers posited that the effects would be seen in an equivalent diet drug made for humans, as well. Researchers are not sure why the molecule affected females but not males, but think that a sex-specific hormone may be at play.

Preliminary research suggests that 7,8-DHF may protect against addiction. When the molecule was administered to rats that had been given cocaine, they were less likely to become addicted.

7,8-DHF increases nitric oxide signals in the body, which may reduce blood pressure. In one study on hypertensive rats, the molecule reduced blood pressure for about one hour. There was no effect on normal rats.

While it is not known whether 7,8-DHF improves skeletal muscle performance, mouse diaphragm muscle cells exposed to the substance saw increased neuromuscular transmission. There was no effect on muscle contraction or on muscle fatigue.

In in vitro studies, 7,8-DHF was able to stop oral and throat cancer cells from developing. The molecule also bound to a protein known as Sp1, which is overexpressed in cancer cells.

How to Take 7,8-DHF

At the current time, there are no human studies on 7,8-DHF. While this flavone is extracted from a natural source, it is unclear whether therapeutic doses of this nootropic are safe or whether there may be side effects.

Because no human studies have been performed, the possible toxicity, side effects, contraindications and drug interactions of 7,8-DHF remain unknown.

In at least one 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone review, individuals report feeling more alert without the jitters that come from stimulants. Other reviewers state that they feel that their memory and concentration is improved. No reviewers have reported any noticeable side effects.

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone is available from a number of online Nootropic sales websites as well as on Amazon and eBay. It is most often found in capsule form.

Because of the lack of research on humans, websites state that they only sell 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone for non-clinical scientific research.

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