alpha-naphthoflavone

Alpha-naphthoflavone (αNF), also known as 7,8-benzoflavone, is a synthetic flavonoid that acts as a potent antagonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and a competitive inhibitor of several cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, particularly those in the CYP1 family (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1). It is widely utilized as a pharmacological tool in research to investigate AhR-mediated signaling and the metabolic activation of xenobiotics. Preclinical studies have explored its potential therapeutic utility in models of obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and vascular dementia, where it has been shown to modulate lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and inflammatory pathways. Additionally, αNF has been investigated for its ability to reverse liver steatosis and improve lung function in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) models. However, it is also known to induce apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in certain neuronal and cancer cell lines, suggesting a complex toxicological profile depending on the biological context and concentration.

Other names

2-phenyl-4H-benzo[h]chromen-4-one7,8-Benzoflavone