eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide

Eicosanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide (EHT) is a naturally occurring bioactive compound found in coffee, structurally described as a serotonin derivative with a C20 saturated fatty acid (eicosanoic acid) linked to the serotonin amino group[1][2][6][9]. EHT exhibits neuroprotective properties and has been investigated as a therapeutic agent, especially for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease[1][3][5][7][8][9][12]. Its mechanism of action is primarily reported as inhibition of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) methylesterase, preserving active PP2A, thereby reducing abnormal phosphorylation and aggregation of α-synuclein and tau proteins—events closely associated with neurodegenerative pathology[3][5][9][12]. EHT has antioxidative effects, upregulates brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), inhibits acetylcholinesterase activity, and reduces neuroinflammation[1][3]. In animal studies, EHT preserves neuronal structure and function, improves cognitive and motor performance, and acts synergistically with caffeine for neuroprotection[3][9].

Other names

eicosanoyl serotoninN-eicosanoyl serotonin