α-Naphthoflavone, also known as 7,8-benzoflavone and 2-phenyl-benzo[h]chromen-4-one, is a synthetic[1][2]flavone derivative. It can be prepared from
2-naphthol and
cinnamaldehyde.[3]
α-Naphthoflavone is a potent
inhibitor of the
enzymearomatase, the enzyme that converts
testosterone to
estrogen.[1][2] α-Naphthoflavone has been shown to cause abnormal testicular development in young chickens.[4]
^Harvey, Ronald G.; Hahn, Jung Tai; Bukowska, Maria; Jackson, Henry (1990). "A new chromone and flavone synthesis and its utilization for the synthesis of potentially antitumorigenic polycyclic chromones and flavones". The Journal of Organic Chemistry. 55 (25): 6161.
doi:
10.1021/jo00312a023.