2. Metabolic Enzyme/Protease
  3. Endogenous Metabolite
  4. Docosahexaenoic acid

Docosahexaenoic acid  (Synonyms: DHA; Cervonic acid)

Cat. No.: HY-B2167 Purity: 98.77%
COA
SDS
Handling Instructions Technical Support

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid abundantly present brain and retina. It can be obtained directly from fish oil and maternal milk.

For research use only. We do not sell to patients.

CAS No. : 6217-54-5

Size Price Stock Quantity
100 mg In-stock
200 mg In-stock
500 mg In-stock
1 g In-stock
5 g   Get quote  
10 g   Get quote  

* Please select Quantity before adding items.

This product is a controlled substance and not for sale in your territory.

Customer Review

Based on 46 publication(s) in Google Scholar

Other Forms of Docosahexaenoic acid:

Docosahexaenoic acid Related Antibodies

Top Publications Citing Use of Products

46 Publications Citing Use of MCE Docosahexaenoic acid

Bio/Physico-chemical Assay
WB
Cell Imaging/Staining
In Vivo Efficacy Study
ELISA

    Docosahexaenoic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Science. 2025 Mar 14;387(6739):eadm9805.  [Abstract]

    Immunoblot analysis of HCC1806 cells following 16 hour serum starvation and subsequent stimulation with 10% FBS or 30 μM ω-6 LA or arachidonic acid (AA), or ω-3 ALA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 30 minutes.

    Docosahexaenoic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Science. 2025 Mar 14;387(6739):eadm9805.  [Abstract]

    HCC1806 cells were serum starved for 16 hours and subsequently restimulated for 30 minutes with 1μM, 5μM, 10μM, 30μM, 100μM, 200μM, 1000μM of ω-6 LA, ω-6 ARA, ω-3 ALA, ω-3 EPA and ω-3 DHA for 30 minutes. Intracellular concentrations of each PUFA were quantified by ELISA from lysates obtained from 5 x 106 cells.

    Docosahexaenoic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Drug Resist Updat. 2025 Jul:81:101224.

    MDA and GSH levels in Scramble/shHSD17B4 Huh7 and SNU-423 cells treated with DHA (25-150 μM).

    Docosahexaenoic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Drug Resist Updat. 2025 Jul:81:101224.

    BODIPY-C11 581/591 probe detection in Scramble/shHSD17B4 cells treated with Lenvatinib (Lenv) or DHA (25-150 μM). Scale bar, 40 μm.

    Docosahexaenoic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Drug Resist Updat. 2025 Jul:81:101224.

    A schematic diagram depicting the in vivo assessment of tumor xenografts generated by subcutaneous injection of Huh7-LR cells. DHA (7 g/kg, p.o.), n = 5 mice in each group.

    Docosahexaenoic acid purchased from MedChemExpress. Usage Cited in: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021 Oct 26;118(43):e2104689118.  [Abstract]

    Eicosapentaenoic Acid . Western blot analysis showing the protein levels of HIF-1A, COL1A1, and α-SMA in HSFs treated with 5-20 μM DHA/EPA and under 21% (normoxic) or 5% (hypoxic) oxygen levels.

    View All Endogenous Metabolite Isoform Specific Products:

    View All Isoforms
    Human Endogenous Metabolite Microbial Metabolite

    • Biological Activity

    • Protocol

    • Purity & Documentation

    • References

    • Customer Review

    Description

    Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid abundantly present brain and retina. It can be obtained directly from fish oil and maternal milk.

    IC50 & Target

    Human Endogenous Metabolite

     

    Cellular Effect
    Cell Line Type Value Description References
    CHO EC50
    36 μM
    Compound: DHA
    Agonist activity at GPR40 expressed in CHO cells after 20 seconds by aequorin bioluminescence assay in presence of 0.1 % human serum
    Agonist activity at GPR40 expressed in CHO cells after 20 seconds by aequorin bioluminescence assay in presence of 0.1 % human serum
    		[PMID: 24900539]
    DU-145 IC50
    73 nM
    Compound: 2
    Antiproliferative activity against LPA-induced human DU-145 cells
    Antiproliferative activity against LPA-induced human DU-145 cells
    		[PMID: 33843223]
    HEK293 ED50
    50 μM
    Compound: Docosahexanoic acid
    Agonist activity at human RXR-alpha expressed in HEK293 cells coexpressing with pCMX-beta-gal after 24 to 48 hrs by luciferase reporter gene assay
    Agonist activity at human RXR-alpha expressed in HEK293 cells coexpressing with pCMX-beta-gal after 24 to 48 hrs by luciferase reporter gene assay
    		[PMID: 24959987]
    L1210 IC50
    13 nM
    Compound: DHA
    Antitumor activity against mouse L1210 cells
    Antitumor activity against mouse L1210 cells
    		[PMID: 18508273]
    RBL-2H3 IC50
    > 50 μM
    Compound: 9; DHA
    Antiallergic activity in rat RBL2H3 cells assessed as inhibition of DNP-HSA-mediated degranulation by measuring decrease in beta-hexosaminidase activity preincubated for 30 mins followed by DNP-HSA stimulation and measured after 30 mins by 4-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside substrate based assay
    Antiallergic activity in rat RBL2H3 cells assessed as inhibition of DNP-HSA-mediated degranulation by measuring decrease in beta-hexosaminidase activity preincubated for 30 mins followed by DNP-HSA stimulation and measured after 30 mins by 4-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranoside substrate based assay
    		[PMID: 31618024]
    In Vitro

    Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is essential for the growth and functional development of the brain in infants. DHA is also required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. The inclusion of plentiful DHA in the diet improves learning ability and memory[1]. DHA is an essential requirement in every step of brain development like neural cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, synaptogenesis. The multiple double bonds and unique structure allow DHA to impart special membrane characteristics for effective cell signaling. Many development disorders like dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia etc. are causally related to decreased level of DHA[2]. DHA is a potent RXR ligand inducing robust RXR activation already at low micro molar concentrations. The EC50 for RXRα activation by DHA is about 5-10 μM fatty acid[3].

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.

    Docosahexaenoic acid Related Antibodies
    In Vivo

    Docosahexaenoic acid administration over 10 weeks significantly reduces the number of reference memory errors, without affecting the number of working memory errors, and significantly increases the docosahexaenoic acid content and the docosahexaenoic acid/arachidonic acid ratio in both the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex[4]. DHA treatment exerts neuroprotective actions on an experimental mouse model of PD. There is a decrease tendency in brain lipid oxidation of MPTP mice but it does not significantly[5].

    MedChemExpress (MCE) has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
    Clinical Trial
    Molecular Weight

    328.49

    Formula

    C22H32O2
    CAS No.
    Appearance

    Liquid (Density: 0.943±0.06 g/cm3)

    Color

    Colorless to light yellow

    SMILES

    CC/C=C\C/C=C\C/C=C\C/C=C\C/C=C\C/C=C\CCC(O)=O
    Structure Classification
    Initial Source
    Shipping

    Room temperature in continental US; may vary elsewhere.
    Storage

    -20°C, protect from light, stored under nitrogen

    *In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen)

    Solvent & Solubility
    In Vitro: 

    DMSO : 100 mg/mL (304.42 mM; Need ultrasonic; Hygroscopic DMSO has a significant impact on the solubility of product, please use newly opened DMSO)

    Ethanol : 50 mg/mL (152.21 mM; Need ultrasonic)

    0.1 M NaOH : 12.5 mg/mL (38.05 mM; Need ultrasonic)

    Preparing
    Stock Solutions
    Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg
    1 mM 3.0442 mL 15.2212 mL 30.4423 mL
    5 mM 0.6088 mL 3.0442 mL 6.0885 mL
    View the Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    • Molarity Calculator

    • Dilution Calculator

    Mass (g) = Concentration (mol/L) × Volume (L) × Molecular Weight (g/mol)

    Mass
    =
    Concentration
    ×
    Volume
    ×
    Molecular Weight *

    Concentration (start) × Volume (start) = Concentration (final) × Volume (final)

    This equation is commonly abbreviated as: C1V1 = C2V2

    Concentration (start)

    C1

    ×
    Volume (start)

    V1

    =
    Concentration (final)

    C2

    ×
    Volume (final)

    V2

    In Vivo:

    Select the appropriate dissolution method based on your experimental animal and administration route.

    For the following dissolution methods, please ensure to first prepare a clear stock solution using an In Vitro approach and then sequentially add co-solvents:
    To ensure reliable experimental results, the clarified stock solution can be appropriately stored based on storage conditions. As for the working solution for in vivo experiments, it is recommended to prepare freshly and use it on the same day.
    The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

    • Protocol 1

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% EtOH    40% PEG300    5% Tween-80    45% Saline

      Solubility: ≥ 5 mg/mL (15.22 mM); Clear solution

      This protocol yields a clear solution of ≥ 5 mg/mL (saturation unknown).

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL EtOH stock solution (50.0 mg/mL) to 400 μL PEG300, and mix evenly; then add 50 μL Tween-80 and mix evenly; then add 450 μL Saline to adjust the volume to 1 mL.

      Preparation of Saline: Dissolve 0.9 g sodium chloride in ddH₂O and dilute to 100 mL to obtain a clear Saline solution.
    • Protocol 2

      Add each solvent one by one:  10% EtOH    90% (20% SBE-β-CD in Saline)

      Solubility: 5 mg/mL (15.22 mM); Suspended solution; Need ultrasonic

      This protocol yields a suspended solution of 5 mg/mL. Suspended solution can be used for oral and intraperitoneal injection.

      Taking 1 mL working solution as an example, add 100 μL EtOH stock solution (50.0 mg/mL) to 900 μL 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline, and mix evenly.

      Preparation of 20% SBE-β-CD in Saline (4°C, storage for one week): 2 g SBE-β-CD powder is dissolved in 10 mL Saline, completely dissolve until clear.

    For the following dissolution methods, please prepare the working solution directly. It is recommended to prepare fresh solutions and use them promptly within a short period of time.
    The percentages shown for the solvents indicate their volumetric ratio in the final prepared solution. If precipitation or phase separation occurs during preparation, heat and/or sonication can be used to aid dissolution.

    • Protocol 1

      Add each solvent one by one:  50% PEG300    50% Saline

      Solubility: 33.33 mg/mL (101.46 mM); Suspended solution; Need ultrasonic

    • Protocol 2

      Add each solvent one by one:  0.5% CMC-Na/saline water

      Solubility: 10 mg/mL (30.44 mM); Suspended solution; Need ultrasonic

    In Vivo Dissolution Calculator
    Please enter the basic information of animal experiments:

    Dosage

    mg/kg

    Animal weight
    (per animal)

    g

    Dosing volume
    (per animal)

    μL

    Number of animals

    Recommended: Prepare an additional quantity of animals to account for potential losses during experiments.
    Please enter your animal formula composition:
    %
    DMSO +
    % 
    +
    %
    Tween-80 +
    %
    Saline
    Recommended: Keep the proportion of DMSO in working solution below 2% if your animal is weak.
    The co-solvents required include: DMSO, . All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE). , Tween 80. All of co-solvents are available by MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Calculation results:
    Working solution concentration: mg/mL
    Method for preparing stock solution: mg drug dissolved in μL  DMSO (Stock solution concentration: mg/mL).

    *In solvent : -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen)

    The concentration of the stock solution you require exceeds the measured solubility. The following solution is for reference only. If necessary, please contact MedChemExpress (MCE).
    Method for preparing in vivo working solution for animal experiments: Take μL DMSO stock solution, add μL . μL , mix evenly, next add μL Tween 80, mix evenly, then add μL Saline.
     If the continuous dosing period exceeds half a month, please choose this protocol carefully.
    Please ensure that the stock solution in the first step is dissolved to a clear state, and add co-solvents in sequence. You can use ultrasonic heating (ultrasonic cleaner, recommended frequency 20-40 kHz), vortexing, etc. to assist dissolution.
    Purity & Documentation

    Purity: 99.81%

    SDS (604 KB)

    COA (237 KB) HNMR (252 KB) LCMS (86 KB)

    Handling Instructions (2659 KB)
    References
    Animal Administration
    [4][5]

    Rats: Wistar rats are fed a fish oil-deficient diet through three generations. The young (five-week-old) male rats of the third generation are randomLy divided into two groups. Over 10 weeks, one group is perorally administered docosahexaenoic acid dissolved in 5% gum Arabic solution at 300 mg/kg/day; the other group receives a similar volume of vehicle alone. Five weeks after starting the administration, the rats are tested for learning ability related to two types of memory, reference memory and working memory, with the partially (four of eight) baited eight-arm radial maze[4].

    Mice: An experimental model of Parkinson's disease is created by four intraperitoneal injections of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) (4×20 mg/kg, at 12 h intervals). Docosahexaenoic acid is given daily by gavage for 4 weeks (36 mg/kg/day). The motor activity of the mice is evaluated via the pole test. The activity of antioxidant enzymes in the brain are determined by spectrophotometric assays and the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) are measured as an index of oxidative damage[5].

    MCE has not independently confirmed the accuracy of these methods. They are for reference only.
    References

    Complete Stock Solution Preparation Table

    * Please refer to the solubility information to select the appropriate solvent. Once prepared, please aliquot and store the solution to prevent product inactivation from repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
    Storage method and period of stock solution: -80°C, 6 months; -20°C, 1 month (protect from light, stored under nitrogen). When stored at -80°C, please use it within 6 months. When stored at -20°C, please use it within 1 month.

    Optional Solvent Concentration Solvent Mass 1 mg 5 mg 10 mg 25 mg
    0.1 M NaOH / Ethanol / DMSO 1 mM 3.0442 mL 15.2212 mL 30.4423 mL 76.1058 mL
    5 mM 0.6088 mL 3.0442 mL 6.0885 mL 15.2212 mL
    10 mM 0.3044 mL 1.5221 mL 3.0442 mL 7.6106 mL
    15 mM 0.2029 mL 1.0147 mL 2.0295 mL 5.0737 mL
    20 mM 0.1522 mL 0.7611 mL 1.5221 mL 3.8053 mL
    25 mM 0.1218 mL 0.6088 mL 1.2177 mL 3.0442 mL
    30 mM 0.1015 mL 0.5074 mL 1.0147 mL 2.5369 mL
    Ethanol / DMSO 40 mM 0.0761 mL 0.3805 mL 0.7611 mL 1.9026 mL
    50 mM 0.0609 mL 0.3044 mL 0.6088 mL 1.5221 mL
    60 mM 0.0507 mL 0.2537 mL 0.5074 mL 1.2684 mL
    80 mM 0.0381 mL 0.1903 mL 0.3805 mL 0.9513 mL
    100 mM 0.0304 mL 0.1522 mL 0.3044 mL 0.7611 mL
    • No file chosen (Maximum size is: 1024 Kb)
    • If you have published this work, please enter the PubMed ID.
    • Your name will appear on the site.

    Docosahexaenoic acid Related Classifications

    Help & FAQs
    • Do most proteins show cross-species activity?

      Species cross-reactivity must be investigated individually for each product. Many human cytokines will produce a nice response in mouse cell lines, and many mouse proteins will show activity on human cells. Other proteins may have a lower specific activity when used in the opposite species.

    Keywords:

    Docosahexaenoic acid6217-54-5DHA Cervonic acidEndogenous MetaboliteInhibitorinhibitorinhibit

    Your Recently Viewed Products:

    Inquiry Online

    Your information is safe with us. * Required Fields.

    Product Name

    		  

    Requested Quantity *

    Applicant Name *

    		 

    Salutation

    Email Address *

    		 

    Phone Number *

    Department

    		 

    Organization Name *

    City

    State

    Country or Region *

    		      

    Remarks

    Bulk Inquiry

    Inquiry Information

    Product Name:
    Docosahexaenoic acid
    Cat. No.:
    HY-B2167
    Quantity:
    MCE Japan Authorized Agent:

    Customer Review

    Thank You for Your Feedback!

    Request for HNMR Report

    Please fill out this form to request the QC report. We will send it to your Email address shortly.

    Your information is safe with us. * Required Fields.

    Product Name

    		  

    Lot #

    Applicant Name *

    		 

    Email Address *

    Phone Number

    		 

    Department *

    Organization Name *

    		 

    Country or Region *

    Remarks

    SAFETY DATA SHEET (SDS)

    English - EN (604 KB) Français - FR (604 KB) Deutsch - DE (604 KB) Norwegian - NO (604 KB) Español - ES (604 KB) Swedish - SV (604 KB) Italian - IT (604 KB) Korean - KR (604 KB) Portuguese - PT (604 KB)

    Request for HNMR Report

    We have received your request and will respond to you as soon as possible.