Overview

Apigenin is a common flavonoid in plants that is extracted and processed into a light yellow-to-brown crystalline powder. Numerous studies have indicated that apigenin has many interesting pharmacological activities and nutraceutical potential for humans. 

Key Benefits

• Supports restful sleep
• Helps reduce anxiety
• May help support brain function
• Provides support for healthy insulin production
• Reduces inflammation 
• Supports gut health
• Provides anti-carcinogenic effects
• Provides nitric oxide to endothelial cells

History of Usage

Apigenin is the active Ingredient in chamomile flowers. Chamomile tea, which is extremely rich in apigenin, has been used as a folk medicine for relieving indigestion or gastritis, anxiety, sleep disorders, and to treat wounds, ulcers, eczema, gout, skin inflammations, bacterial infections, colic, and more. Apigenin was first studied in the 1960s, and chemoprevention was recommended in the 1980s. Recently, apigenin has received much attention because it has low toxicity and exerts differential effects on normal versus cancer cell growth, survival, or apoptosis in several types of cells. 

Biochemistry

In addition to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables, the herb apigenin is also found in herbs such as basil, thyme, and spearmint. Apigenin can be found in a variety of foods, including celery, celeriac, parsley, sorghum, and tarragon. Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla/recutita) flowers contain 3-5 mg per gram of apigenin. Typical doses in nutritional supplements start at 50 mg.  

Monomeric flavonoids such as Apigenin, 4′,5,7-trihydroxy-flavone, are prevalent in the average diet. Apigenin is classified as a flavone, one of the flavonoids subclasses, based on its chemical structure. Apigenin has garnered researchers’ attention in part because of its low toxicity and numerous positive bioactivities.

Apigenin must pass through the gastrointestinal tract before it may enter the bloodstream and enter the liver. Both passive and active carrier-mediated saturable processes in the duodenum and jejunum, and passive transport mechanisms in the ileum and colon, principally, can be used to transport Apigenin. Gut microbes can use the excretion of apigenin from the digestive tract to digest apigenin from the meal.

Recent Trends

The market for apigenin is predicted to grow in the near future due to its anticancer properties. Apigenin supplements can be found in powder and capsule forms to promote sleep and relaxation, prostate health, healthy aging and cognitive function, and antioxidant protection and immune function. 

Precautions

• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take apigenin.
• Individuals who are hypersensitive to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and other herbs should be alert for allergy symptoms.
• Anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications, as well as sedatives, may all interact with apigenin.

References

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