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Deazaflavin (5-deazaflavin) is a redox-active analog of the flavin cofactor in which the nitrogen at position 5 of the isoalloxazine ring is replaced by carbon. This substitution shifts its chemistry toward two-electron hydride transfer, giving it distinctive self-redox and cofactor-like behaviour that is exploited in nature (for example as coenzyme F420 in certain microbes) and, in medicinal chemistry, as the parent scaffold for mitochondria-targeted derivatives such as TND1128 [1].
- Mitochondrial redox support: Acts as a self-redox cofactor mimic that can feed electron-transfer chemistry.
- Antioxidant scaffold: Preclinical cytoprotection against oxidative stress in cell models.
Overview
The 5-deazaflavin scaffold is chemically related to riboflavin (vitamin B2) and flavin cofactors (FMN, FAD) but behaves more like a nicotinamide (NAD-type) cofactor because the 5-carbon favours obligate two-electron, hydride-transfer chemistry rather than the one-electron radical chemistry of true flavins. This unusual redox character underlies its interest as a synthetic mitochondrial cofactor mimic [1][2].
Rather than being a widely used supplement in its own right, deazaflavin is best understood as a chemical platform. Japanese medicinal chemists lipophilised and modified the core to create derivatives, most notably TND1128, intended to penetrate cells and support mitochondrial energy metabolism [1]. Preclinical work on the scaffold and its analogs reports cytoprotection against oxidative (hydrogen peroxide) stress, consistent with an antioxidant and redox-buffering role [3].
Because much of the marketed material is discussed interchangeably with its derivatives, buyers should be aware that the parent 5-deazaflavin, its riboflavin-like glycosides, and drug-like derivatives such as TND1128 are distinct entities with different pharmacology. Human clinical data on deazaflavin itself are essentially absent.
- The natural 5-deazaflavin coenzyme F420 lets certain microbes and archaea perform chemistry that ordinary flavins cannot.
- Swapping a single ring nitrogen for carbon makes deazaflavin behave chemically more like NAD than like the vitamin B2 it resembles.
Mechanism
In its 5-deazaflavin form, the replacement of ring nitrogen 5 with carbon converts the cofactor from a one-electron/two-electron flavin into a predominantly two-electron hydride carrier, chemically closer to NAD(P) than to FAD [1]. Derivatives built on the scaffold are proposed to enter cells and participate in redox reactions, facilitating electron transfer, supporting membrane potential and buffering reactive oxygen species [2][3]. The self-redox (auto-oxidation and re-reduction) ability of the deazaflavin core is central to these proposed cytoprotective and energy-supporting effects.
receptor fingerprint
electron transferparticipates as a redox cofactor mimic
Reactive oxygen speciesbuffers/scavenges
Dosingtypical ranges, not medical advice
interested in protocols and clinical dosages? make an account to see them! ^_^
Safetyrisks and cautions, not medical advice
There is very little human safety data on 5-deazaflavin as a standalone compound; most evidence is preclinical and centres on derivatives. As a research-grade redox agent rather than an established supplement, its long-term safety, interactions and appropriate dosing in humans are not defined. Consumers should treat it as experimental, recognise the frequent conflation with TND1128 and riboflavin analogs, and consult a clinician before use.
History
Deazaflavins have been studied since the 1970s as tools for probing flavoenzyme mechanism and as analogs of coenzyme F420, a naturally occurring 5-deazaflavin used by methanogenic archaea and mycobacteria. Interest for human use is far more recent and stems largely from Japanese groups who used the scaffold to design lipophilic, cell-permeable mitochondrial activators, positioning 5-deazaflavin as the parent structure behind TND1128.
Reputation
Among nootropic users, deazaflavin is a niche, frequently misunderstood ingredient, often confused with its derivative TND1128 or marketed with claims that outrun the thin preclinical evidence. Chemists regard the scaffold as legitimately interesting for its unusual redox behaviour, but there is no clinical track record to support consumer health claims.
Subjective profileweighing the evidence above
Nothing here yet for a person. It is a redox scaffold studied in cell models, routinely confused with TND1128 and riboflavin analogs, with no human safety data and no established dose. Save the money until there is something to read.
Resources
This entry is here for reference.
Research
- 1.Effects of TND1128 (a 5-deazaflavin derivative), with self-redox ability, as a mitochondria activator on the mouse brain slice and its comparison with β-NMN.
- 2.TND1128, a 5-deazaflavin derivative with auto-redox ability, facilitates polarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ(m)) and on-demand ATP synthesis in mice brain slices.
- 3.5-Deazaflavin (TND1128) and its hybrid analogs are cytoprotective against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress (preprint, 2024)
3 listed here; entry last updated August 2026
Reviews
My notesprivate to this device
FAQ
Is deazaflavin the same as TND1128?
No. 5-deazaflavin is the parent chemical scaffold; TND1128 is a specific lipophilic derivative designed to reach mitochondria. They should not be treated as interchangeable.
Is it just vitamin B2?
No. Although structurally related to riboflavin, replacing ring nitrogen 5 with carbon changes its redox chemistry substantially, so it does not behave like the vitamin.
Limitations of the evidence
- Unknown human profile: No meaningful human safety or side-effect data exist.
Notes and cautions
- Identity confusion: Frequently conflated with TND1128 and riboflavin analogs, creating dosing uncertainty.