BDNF and Rett syndrome: Luteolin is structurally closely related to 7,8-dihydroflavone, which was shown to have brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)-like activity.75 In fact, absence of BDNF was associated with autistic-like-behavior in mice, while 7,8-dihydroflavone administration reduced symptoms in a mouse model of Rett syndrome,76 most patients with which have symptoms of ASDs.77