Tetramethylpyrazine

Tetramethylpyrazine, also known as ligustrazine, is an antiinflammatory compound isolated from the fermented food natto. When purified, it is a colorless solid. Its biosynthesis involves amination of acetoin, the latter derived from pyruvate.

The compound has attracted much attention for its medicinal properties. and in fermented cocoa beans.

It exhibited in vivo nootropic activity in rats.