4'-Methoxy-α-naphthoflavone

4'-Methoxy-alpha-naphthoflavone is a flavonoid that has been shown to have inhibitory effects on the metabolism of 3-methylcholanthrene and other xenobiotics. The compound inhibits the oxidation of these compounds by both the cytochrome P450 and NADPH-dependent oxidases. 4'-Methoxy-alpha-naphthoflavone also inhibits the activation of these compounds by hepatic tissues, as well as the metabolism of phenobarbital by rat liver microsomes. The compound may be metabolized in vivo to 4'-hydroxy-alpha-naphthoflavone, which is more potent than 4'-methoxy-alpha-naphthoflavone.