5,7 Dimethoxyflavone 8% – Black Ginger

5,7-Dimethoxyflavone (DMF), the active compound in Kaempferia parviflora (black ginger), has a unique pharmacological profile — but it is not a classic neurotransmitter agonist. Instead, it primarily acts through modulation of signaling pathways, enzymes, and receptors.

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🧠 Neurotransmitter Receptor & CNS Activity

🔹 GABA_A Receptor Modulation (Positive Allosteric Modulator)

• 5,7-Dimethoxyflavone is a positive allosteric modulator (PAM) of GABA_A receptors, meaning it enhances GABA’s effect without directly activating the receptor.

• This may contribute to its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) and calming properties, without causing sedation or tolerance like benzodiazepines.

✅ Not a direct agonist, but enhances GABAergic tone
❌ No major action on dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, or glutamate receptors

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⚙️ Other Pharmacological Actions

🔸 AMPK Activation

• Stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a key regulator of cellular energy and metabolism.

• Linked to enhanced fat oxidation, improved endurance, and anti-aging effects.

🔸 cAMP Elevation & PDE Inhibition

• Inhibits phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, increasing cAMP levels, which can:

  • Enhance energy metabolism

  • Improve vascular function and circulation

  • Support libido and erectile function

🔸 Testosterone and Androgen Receptor Sensitization

• Animal studies suggest it may sensitize androgen receptors or increase the action of endogenous testosterone, improving muscle strength, libido, and recovery.

🔸 Anti-inflammatory & Antioxidant Activity

• Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation by modulating pathways like NF-κB, and increasing endogenous antioxidant enzymes.

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🧬 Summary Table

System / Target	Effect
GABA<sub>A</sub> receptor	Positive allosteric modulator → calming, anti-anxiety
AMPK pathway	↑ Energy metabolism, ↓ fat storage
PDE enzymes	Inhibition → ↑ cAMP, ↑ blood flow, ↑ energy
Androgen signaling	↑ Receptor sensitivity (inferred from studies)
Inflammatory pathways	↓ NF-κB → anti-inflammatory
Oxidative stress	↑ Antioxidant enzymes

💊 5,7-Dimethoxyflavone Dosing Overview

🔹 What is 5,7-Dimethoxyflavone?

5,7-Dimethoxyflavone is a bioactive compound found in Kaempferia parviflora (black ginger), known for supporting energy metabolism, libido, circulation, and muscle performance. It acts as a GABA_A modulator, AMPK activator, and PDE inhibitor, with wide-ranging benefits.

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📏 Typical Dosage Guidelines (Based on 8% Standardized Extract)

Use Case	Extract Dose	Active DMF Content
General vitality	100–200 mg daily	8–16 mg DMF
Libido / performance	200–300 mg daily	16–24 mg DMF
Physical endurance	300–400 mg daily	24–32 mg DMF

✅ Often taken once daily or split into 2 doses (morning + afternoon).
🕒 Best taken with food for improved absorption.

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🔁 Cycling Recommendations

• On-cycle: 4–8 weeks

• Off-cycle: 1–2 weeks (especially at higher doses)

• Helps prevent receptor downregulation or loss of effect.

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⚠️ Important Notes

• Do not exceed 500 mg/day of the extract unless guided by a professional.

• Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

• May interact mildly with blood pressure or vasodilating medications.

• Start low and assess tolerance, especially if stacking with stimulants or PDE inhibitors.