Herb & supplement monograph

7,8-benzoflavone Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated June 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how 7,8-benzoflavone interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug 7,8-benzoflavone is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what 7,8-benzoflavone is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Interaction report

Drugs that interact with 7,8-benzoflavone

0 medications have a known interaction with 7,8-benzoflavone, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for 7,8-benzoflavone. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact 7,8-benzoflavone combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Monograph

7,8-benzoflavone: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed June 2026 ·
The bottom line

7,8-Benzoflavone (alpha-naphthoflavone) is a synthetic flavone studied mainly in laboratories for its effects on enzymes like aromatase and certain liver enzymes. It is not an approved or well-studied dietary supplement in humans, its safety is poorly defined, and aromatase inhibitors are banned in sports — so it should not be used without medical supervision.

Part used
Synthetic flavone compound (also studied as a plant flavonoid derivative)
Common forms
Research chemical; sometimes found in bodybuilding or 'aromatase inhibitor' supplements
People commonly use it for
  • Lowering estrogen levels
  • Raising testosterone
  • Reducing gynecomastia from anabolic steroids
  • Bodybuilding and athletic performance

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

Human safety data are lacking and it is mainly a research chemical, not a tested supplement.

PregnancyPossibly Unsafe

When used orally or parenterally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies warn that dietary supplements containing aromata...

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingPossibly Unsafe

When used orally or parenterally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies warn that dietary supplements containing aromata...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

7,8-Benzoflavone, also called alpha-naphthoflavone, is a man-made compound related to the flavonoids found in some plants. Unlike common dietary flavonoids in fruits, vegetables, and teas, 7,8-benzoflavone is used mostly as a research chemical in laboratories. Scientists have used it for years as a tool to study how the body's enzymes work.

It is sometimes promoted in bodybuilding circles as an "aromatase inhibitor" — a substance that lowers estrogen and may raise testosterone. However, it is not an approved medicine or a well-established dietary supplement, and reliable human research is very limited.

How it works

In laboratory studies, 7,8-benzoflavone can act on the aromatase enzyme, which normally converts testosterone into estrogen. Blocking this enzyme could, in theory, lower estrogen and raise testosterone. Most of this is based on test-tube and animal research, not on careful human studies.

7,8-Benzoflavone is also known to scientists for affecting certain liver enzymes (cytochrome P450 enzymes) that the body uses to break down medicines and other chemicals. This is one reason it has been widely used as a research tool, and it is also a reason it could affect how the body handles other substances.

Effectiveness

Does 7,8-benzoflavone work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 6 uses evaluated
6 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For 7,8-benzoflavone, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 6 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral 7,8-benzoflavone for athletic performance, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 7,8-benzoflavone for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Erectile dysfunction (ED)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral 7,8-benzoflavone for ED, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 7,8-benzoflavone for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscle strength
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral 7,8-benzoflavone for muscle strength, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 7,8-benzoflavone for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Obesity
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral 7,8-benzoflavone for obesity, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 7,8-benzoflavone for this condition.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Psychological well-being
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral 7,8-benzoflavone for psychological well-being, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 7,8-benzoflavone for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Sexual arousal
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there is interest in using oral 7,8-benzoflavone for sexual arousal, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of 7,8-benzoflavone for this purpose.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

The safety of 7,8-benzoflavone in people is not well understood. It has not gone through the kind of testing that approved medicines or established supplements receive, so the long-term risks are unknown.

Aromatase inhibitors in general can cause serious problems. Reported concerns with this class of drugs include bone loss and slowed bone growth, lower sperm production and infertility, mood and behavior changes, adrenal problems, and effects on the liver and kidneys. Because 7,8-benzoflavone can interfere with hormones, it could be especially risky for teenagers, anyone trying to conceive, and people with hormone-sensitive conditions.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Do not use 7,8-benzoflavone if you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. There are no safety data, and interfering with hormones during these times could be harmful. Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before using any product that contains aromatase inhibitors.

Side effects

Because 7,8-benzoflavone has not been properly studied in humans, its full side effect profile is unknown. Based on the effects seen with aromatase inhibitors as a group, possible problems may include joint and bone aches, bone thinning, mood changes or aggression, low sex drive, and reduced fertility.

More serious but less common concerns reported with aromatase inhibitors include adrenal insufficiency, kidney problems, and liver dysfunction. If you have taken any product containing this compound and feel unwell, stop and seek medical advice.

Dosing

There is no established or safe human dose for 7,8-benzoflavone. It is not an approved supplement or medicine, and reliable dosing information does not exist.

We do not recommend taking it. If you are considering any product that lists 7,8-benzoflavone or another aromatase inhibitor, talk to a pharmacist or doctor first, and never exceed amounts on a product label without medical guidance.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

7,8-benzoflavone & Pregnancy

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally or parenterally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies warn that dietary supplements containing aromatase inhibitors are dangerous. Avoid using.

  1. Joseph JF, Parr MK. Synthetic androgens as designer supplements. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(1):89-100.

7,8-benzoflavone & Breastfeeding

Possibly Unsafe

When used orally or parenterally. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other regulatory agencies warn that dietary supplements containing aromatase inhibitors are dangerous. Avoid using.

  1. Joseph JF, Parr MK. Synthetic androgens as designer supplements. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(1):89-100.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 1 references that drive our 7,8-benzoflavone monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Joseph JF, Parr MK. Synthetic androgens as designer supplements. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015;13(1):89-100. PubMed
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

7,8-benzoflavone: Common Questions

What is 7,8-benzoflavone used for, and does it work?
People use 7,8-benzoflavone for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.
Does 7,8-benzoflavone interact with prescription medications?
We do not currently list any known drug interactions for 7,8-benzoflavone. This does not guarantee that none exist, so always confirm with your pharmacist before combining it with your medications.
How are 7,8-benzoflavone interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take 7,8-benzoflavone with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this 7,8-benzoflavone interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is 7,8-benzoflavone used for?
People mainly use it to try to lower estrogen and raise testosterone, often in bodybuilding. These are popular uses, not proven benefits, and good human evidence is lacking.
Is 7,8-benzoflavone safe to take?
Its safety in people is not well studied. It is essentially a research chemical, and aromatase inhibitors as a group can cause serious hormone, bone, fertility, liver, and kidney problems, so we do not recommend self-treating with it.
Can I take it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. There are no safety data, and interfering with hormones during pregnancy or breastfeeding could be harmful, so it should be avoided.
Is 7,8-benzoflavone allowed in sports?
Aromatase inhibitors are banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, so using a product containing 7,8-benzoflavone could lead to a failed drug test for competitive athletes.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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