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.
