beta-naphthoflavone

Beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), also known as 5,6-benzoflavone, is a synthetic flavonoid and a potent agonist of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). It is primarily utilized as a research tool to study the induction of Phase I and Phase II detoxification enzymes, most notably cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) and 1A2 (CYP1A2), as well as uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs). Beyond its role as a biochemical inducer, beta-naphthoflavone has been investigated for its potential chemopreventive and antitumor properties, particularly against mammary carcinomas, and for its antioxidant activity. It has also shown protective effects in preclinical models of aristolochic acid-induced kidney injury. Currently, it is not in clinical development and is available primarily as a research chemical from various suppliers.

Other names

5,6-benzoflavonebeta-naphthoflavoneβ-naphthoflavone