7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (CAS 38183-03-8) 7,8-DHF | Potent TrkB Receptor Agonist (Kd ~320 nM), BDNF-Mimetic, Neurotrophic & Neuroprotective Flavone Research Compound

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone CAS 38183-03-8
Potent TrkB Receptor Agonist (7,8-DHF) — BDNF-Mimetic Neurotrophic Flavone

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (CAS 38183-03-8; 7,8-DHF) is a naturally-occurring cell-permeable flavone that acts as a potent and selective small-molecule agonist of the TrkB receptor (Kd ~320 nM), the principal signaling receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It crosses the BBB, induces TrkB dimerization and autophosphorylation, and suppresses neuronal apoptosis (EC50 ~35 nM). Molecular formula C15H10O4, MW 254.24. Research-grade with COA.

TrkB Agonist BDNF Mimetic NTRK2 7,8-DHF Neurotrophic BBB Permeable Flavone Neuroprotective

Request a Quote Technical Specs

254.24

MW (C15H10O4)

~320 nM

TrkB Kd

~35 nM

Anti-apoptosis EC50

Molecular Information

Name: 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF)
CAS: 38183-03-8
Formula: C15H10O4
MW: 254.24 g/mol
Class: Flavone / TrkB agonist
Core: 7,8-dihydroxy-2-phenylchromen-4-one
Target: TrkB (NTRK2, BDNF receptor)
Kd: ~320 nM (TrkB)
EC50: ~35 nM (T48 TrkB anti-apoptosis)
Appearance: Yellow powder
Selectivity: TrkB only (not TrkA/TrkC)
Synonyms: 7,8-DHF / TrkB Agonist
Storage: 2-8 C, protect from light

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CAS Number

38183-03-8

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Molecular Weight

254.24

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Primary Activity

TrkB agonist

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Purity

≥98%

Product Technical Specifications

Complete physicochemical properties and QC parameters for 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (CAS 38183-03-8)

📋 Physicochemical Properties

Product Name7,8-Dihydroxyflavone
IUPAC Core7,8-dihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-chromen-4-one
CAS Number38183-03-8
Synonyms7,8-DHF; TrkB Agonist
Molecular FormulaC15H10O4
Molecular Weight254.24 g/mol
SourceNaturally-occurring flavone (e.g. Godmania aesculifolia, tree extracts)
AppearanceYellow powder
MDL NumberMFCD00006836
InChIKeyCOCYGNDCWFKTMF-UHFFFAOYSA-N
Compound ClassFlavone / TrkB agonist
SMILESOc1cccc2c1C(=O)C=C(O2)c3ccccc3O
Cell PermeabilityCell-permeable; BBB-permeable (i.p. / oral)
SolubilityDMSO 50-100 mg/mL; ethanol ~4 mg/mL; water insoluble
HS Code2933.99

🔬 Quality Control & Handling

Purity (HPLC)≥98%
FormPowder (packaged under inert gas)
Primary TargetTrkB receptor (NTRK2 / TrkB tyrosine kinase)
Receptor BindingKd ~320 nM at TrkB extracellular domain
SelectivityActivates TrkB; not TrkA or TrkC at 250 nM
Pathway ReadoutTrkB autophosphorylation; p-Akt; p-ERK1/2
Functional ReadoutAnti-apoptotic EC50 ~35 nM (TrkB-T48 cells)
Negative ControlK252a abolishes activity (Trk inhibitor)
Storage Condition2-8 C, protect from light, do not freeze solid
Solution Stability-20 C stock solutions up to 3 months; aliquot
ShippingRoom temperature / blue ice
QC DocumentationCOA / HPLC / NMR / MS / MSDS
Pack Sizes10G / 100G / 1KG / 10KG / 25KG / 1Ton
Stock StatusIn Stock
Use StatementResearch use only; not for human/clinical use

Key Molecular Targets & Pathway Nodes

7,8-DHF's pharmacology is anchored on the TrkB receptor (NTRK2), the canonical signaling receptor for BDNF, with downstream survival and synaptic-plasticity cascades in cortical, hippocampal, retinal and neuromuscular tissues.

🧬 TrkB (NTRK2) 🎯 TrkB Dimerization ⚡ TrkB Autophosphorylation (Tyr816) 📈 PI3K / Akt Survival Pathway 🔄 MAPK / ERK Pathway 🛡️ PLCγ / CREB Signaling 🧠 Hippocampal Neurons 👁️ Retinal Ganglion Cells (RGC) 💪 Skeletal Muscle TrkB ⚡ Presynaptic GABA Release 🔌 Apoptosis Suppression 🚫 K252a-Sensitive (Trk-dependent)

How 7,8-DHF Works: Mimicking BDNF at the TrkB Receptor

7,8-DHF engages the extracellular domain of TrkB, driving receptor dimerization, autophosphorylation, and the PI3K/Akt & MAPK survival cascades — replicating BDNF signaling without the delivery limits of a large protein.

TrkB — The BDNF Signaling Hub

TrkB (NTRK2) is a receptor tyrosine kinase that mediates the survival, differentiation, and synaptic-plasticity effects of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Its activation drives the PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and PLCγ cascades that protect neurons and consolidate long-term potentiation in the hippocampus and cortex.

Direct TrkB Agonism

7,8-DHF binds the extracellular domain of TrkB with high affinity (Kd ~320 nM), promoting receptor dimerization and trans-autophosphorylation. It selectively activates TrkB — not TrkA or TrkC at 250 nM — and its neurotrophic effects are abolished by the Trk inhibitor K252a, confirming on-target activity. Activity is further verified by Akt and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in vivo.

Survival, Plasticity & BBB Penetration

Through TrkB-driven PI3K/Akt signaling, 7,8-DHF suppresses caspase-dependent apoptosis in cortical/hippocampal neurons, RGCs, and PC12 cells against excitotoxic, oxidative (H2O2, 6-OHDA), and traumatic insults. Because it is lipophilic, it crosses the BBB after i.p. or oral dosing, enabling chronic in vivo neuroprotection without recombinant protein delivery.

⚖️ 7,8-DHF vs Recombinant BDNF vs 7,8-DHF-Br

7,8-DHF (this product)Small molecule; BBB-permeable; Kd ~320 nM; oral/i.p.
Recombinant BDNFProtein; does not cross BBB; rapid clearance
7,8-DHF prodrug (e.g. Br derivative)Improved oral bioavailability, converted to 7,8-DHF in vivo
Shared TargetAll engage TrkB extracellular domain
Key Distinction7,8-DHF is the prototypical brain-penetrant TrkB small-molecule agonist
Off-targetSelectively suppresses presynaptic GABA release; no effect on glutamate

♻️ Downstream Biological Consequences

Receptor EventTrkB dimerization & trans-autophosphorylation (Tyr816)
Survival PathwayPI3K / Akt activation → ↑ neuronal survival, ↓ apoptosis
Plasticity PathwayMAPK / ERK & PLCγ / CREB → ↑ synaptic plasticity & LTP
Apoptosis↓ Caspase-3; ↑ BCL-2 (T48 EC50 ~35 nM)
NeurotransmissionSelective ↓ presynaptic GABA release
BehaviorRescues memory, depression, TBI, obesity

Research Applications & Models

From Alzheimer's cognition to traumatic brain injury and depression, 7,8-DHF is the prototypical BDNF-mimetic for neurotrophic signaling research.

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Alzheimer's Disease Models

Reproduces BDNF-driven cortical/hippocampal survival; rescues cognitive decline and synaptic loss in AD rodent models where endogenous BDNF signaling is deficient.

TrkB / AD

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Traumatic Brain Injury

Given 3 h post-TBI, 7,8-DHF reduces tissue damage and cortical apoptosis via PI3K/Akt, improving functional recovery in rodent models.

PI3K / Akt

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Depression & Anxiety Models

Mimics the BDNF-dependent antidepressant mechanism; rescues learned helplessness and forced-swim behavior via TrkB engagement in limbic circuits.

TrkB / mood

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Retinal Ganglion Cell Protection

Protects RGCs from oxidative and excitotoxic apoptosis, supporting glaucoma and optic-neuropathy research where BDNF is neuroprotective.

RGC / optic

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Obesity / Muscle TrkB

Activates TrkB in skeletal muscle to inhibit diet-induced obesity in mice — a unique non-neuronal application of BDNF-mimetic signaling.

Muscle TrkB

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TrkB Pharmacology & Probe Screening

A fiducial small-molecule TrkB agonist for binding, autophosphorylation, and survival assays; K252a is the canonical negative control.

TrkB panel

Key Literature & Landmark Publications

The pharmacology and validation of 7,8-DHF as a selective TrkB agonist and BDNF mimetic.

Jang SW, Liu X, Yepes M, et al. A selective TrkB agonist with potent neurotrophic activities by 7,8-dihydroxyflavone. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2010;107(6):2687-92.

doi: 10.1073/pnas.0914712107

Liu X, Chan CB, Jang SW, et al. TrkB receptor agonist 7,8-dihydroxyflavone improves neuronal survival after traumatic brain injury. J Neurosci Res. 2014;92(5):626-37.

doi: 10.1002/jnr.23331

Ren Q, Zhang Z, Zhao S, et al. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone, a TrkB agonist, exerts antidepressant-like effects in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2013;106:124-30.

doi: 10.1016/j.pbb.2013.03.012

Marongiu D, Imbrosci B, Mittmann T. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone protects murine cortical neurons against excitotoxic cell death. Eur J Pharmacol. 2013;709:64-71.

doi: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.03.027

Choi DY, Lee JY, Kim MH, et al. 7,8-DHF alleviates cognitive impairment and reduces amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's models. J Neurochem. 2012;121(4):677-88.

doi: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2012.07676.x

Available Sizes & Ordering

Research-grade 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (CAS 38183-03-8) with full QC documentation; standard packs and bulk custom quantities supported.

Tier	Pack Size	Stock Status	Suitable For	Lead Time
Standard	10G	In Stock	TrkB binding & cell survival assays	Same/next-day ship
Medium	100G	In Stock	Behavioral & neuroprotection studies	Same/next-day ship
Large	1KG	In Stock	Chronic in vivo dosing & formulation	Same/next-day ship
Bulk	10KG	Made to order	Formulation, process development, CMO	Quote to confirm
Industrial	25KG	Made to order	Production-scale supply	Batch delivery
Industrial	1Ton	Made to order	Production-scale synthesis	Batch delivery

💡 Reference sizes shown above; for exact pricing and availability please contact us for a quote. Bulk orders qualify for tiered discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is 7,8-dihydroxyflavone and what does it do?

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (CAS 38183-03-8; 7,8-DHF) is a naturally-occurring flavone identified as a potent, selective small-molecule agonist of the TrkB receptor (Kd ~320 nM) — the principal signaling receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). It mimics BDNF, crosses the BBB, induces TrkB dimerization/autophosphorylation, and suppresses neuronal apoptosis (EC50 ~35 nM in TrkB-expressing cells). Formula C15H10O4, MW 254.24.

How is 7,8-DHF different from recombinant BDNF?

BDNF is a large protein that does not cross the blood-brain barrier and is rapidly cleared, making it impractical as a drug. 7,8-DHF is a small, lipophilic, orally bioavailable molecule that engages the same TrkB receptor and downstream PI3K/Akt and MAPK cascades in brain after i.p. or oral dosing. It selectively activates TrkB (not TrkA or TrkC at 250 nM), and its effects are abolished by the Trk inhibitor K252a, confirming on-target activity.

What is the mechanism of neuroprotection?

7,8-DHF binds the extracellular domain of TrkB with high affinity, promoting receptor dimerization and trans-autophosphorylation. Activated TrkB drives the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK survival cascades, suppressing caspase-dependent apoptosis and reducing neuronal death in models of excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and traumatic brain injury. It also selectively reduces presynaptic GABA release without affecting glutamatergic transmission.

What are the key experimental readouts?

Canonical readouts include TrkB binding (Kd ~320 nM), TrkB autophosphorylation (Tyr816), downstream p-Akt and p-ERK1/2 Western blots in cortical/hippocampal lysates, protection from apoptosis in TrkB-T48 cells (EC50 ~35 nM) and in PC12 / RGC / cortical cultures against 6-OHDA, glutamate or H2O2, and behavioral outcomes in AD, TBI, depression and obesity models. K252a is the standard negative control confirming Trk dependence.

How soluble is 7,8-dihydroxyflavone and how should it be prepared?

7,8-DHF is soluble in DMSO (50-100 mg/mL) and slightly in ethanol (~4 mg/mL); it is insoluble in water. For cell assays typical working concentrations are sub-micromolar to low micromolar; dilute DMSO stock into pre-warmed medium keeping final DMSO ≤0.1% v/v. Store the solid at 2-8 C, protected from light; aliquot DMSO stocks at -20 C (stable up to 3 months) and avoid repeated freeze-thaw.

Is QC documentation provided? Can I request a sample?

Every batch ships with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) including HPLC purity, NMR structural confirmation and MS data. MSDS/SDS, residual-solvent data and Certificates of Origin are available on request. Sample evaluation is available for qualified institutions — please contact us.

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Research-grade 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (CAS 38183-03-8) — purity ≥98% HPLC, COA included
The brain-penetrant BDNF-mimetic TrkB agonist for neurotrophic, neuroprotective, and cognitive research — request a quote today

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