Apigenin – properties, effects, reviews and dosage

Our attention is often drawn to the vivid colours of certain plants, which are partly due to little-known flavonoids. These nutrients from the nutraceuticals group, in addition to their taste and distinctive colour, have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Apigenin is one such chemical compound. Known for promoting heart health, improving brain function and alleviating anxiety and depression, it is becoming an increasingly popular dietary supplement. What is worth knowing about it?

Apigenin – what is it?

Apigenin is a light yellow plant pigment; apigenin belongs to the group of flavonoids, more specifically – flavones. This substance is practically insoluble in water, but easily soluble in hot alcohol. Apigenin is also an organic compound found in many plants, especially aromatic herbs and certain flowers. It is distinguished by its chemical structure, which is characterised by benzene rings and hydroxyl groups. Apigenin is widely extracted from the plant Matricaria chamomilla (common chamomile) and is one of the most promising dietary supplements in many areas. The molecule has been and continues to be the subject of numerous studies aimed at fighting cancer, improving health and stress, strengthening the immune system, and even improving physical performance and testosterone levels.

What is a nutraceutical?

Before we focus on apigenin from a closer perspective, we should ask the question: what exactly is apigenin? This substance belongs to a broad group of substances collectively referred to as nutraceuticals. Coined in 1989 by Stephen L. DeFelice, the term refers to naturally occurring products that have properties similar to conventionally used pharmaceutical substances. They prevent chronic diseases, improve health and support the structure or functions of the entire body. Nutraceuticals include, among others:

• Flavonoids – including apigenin.

• Polyphenols – such as those found in grape seeds.

• Polyunsaturated fatty acids – e.g. omega-3 and omega-6 acids.

• Vitamins, amino acids and minerals – e.g. vitamin D, magnesium, isoleucine.

Where is apigenin found?

Apigenin is produced naturally by plants as a defence mechanism against predators and infections. Apigenin is mainly found in the flowers, leaves and stems of plants. In addition, apigenin is also present in some plants characteristic of the European landscape, including Poland, such as common chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla).

Apigenin-based dietary supplements are primarily made from chamomile extracts rich in this substance, thus ensuring its optimal concentration. In addition to chamomile, apigenin is also found in parsley, artichokes, celery, thyme and lemons.

Apigenin – what are its distinctive properties?

The apigenin molecule has a number of health-promoting medicinal properties. These range from detoxifying the body to preventing certain types of cancer and stimulating bodily functions. Its versatile range of effects is due, among other things, to the following properties:

• Cell detoxification

• CYP2C9 inhibition

• Kidney protection

• Anti-inflammatory

• Antiviral

• Antibacterial

• Antioxidant

• Colouring

• Pro-apoptotic

Furthermore, it has recently been discovered that consuming foods rich in apigenin or using condensed extracts containing the substance improves the excretion of waste produced during cellular nutrition. It also exhibits properties that control kidney damage and inhibit the functioning of CYP2C9 enzymes, which determines its antioxidant activity. These are highly valued properties as they directly prevent the degradation of the body caused by oxidation and the activity of harmful solar radiation.

Apigenin – what is it good for?

Apigenin offers many health benefits for our body. What is worth knowing about them?

• Supports the body's antioxidant functions – apigenin is rich in antioxidants, a group of compounds that promote skin health and slow down the effects of ageing. For this reason, it is used topically to combat acne and stimulate skin cell growth. Similarly, it has anti-inflammatory properties that are more effective than any other flavonoid.

• It has antibacterial properties – apigenin can fight antibiotic-resistant bacteria and, in some cases, reverse this resistance. It is believed that this substance could become a new antibiotic or a dietary supplement that enhances the effectiveness of antibiotics.

• Improves heart health – studies on rodents with heart damage resulting from embolisms or heart attacks have shown that apigenin has a visible cardioprotective effect. It reduces swelling, cell death and oxidative stress in the body, preventing potential heart attacks in the future.

• Improves brain function – there is scientific evidence to suggest that apigenin can stimulate cognitive function. Studies suggest improved memory and learning deficits in animals with Alzheimer's disease. Apigenin is also able to significantly improve neurological outcomes and reduce neuron death in animals that have suffered a stroke.

• Relieves anxiety and depression – the substance is able to lower cortisol levels, thus preventing adverse reactions in the body such as anxiety, insomnia and muscle pain due to chronic stress. Some studies also suggest that it can help alleviate the symptoms of depression.

• Has anti-diabetic effects – apigenin from chamomile may help fight diabetes. Several factors may contribute to this, such as the beneficial effect of apigenin on glucose and insulin production and the cardioprotective effect of flavonoids on the heart.

Apigenin for the musculoskeletal system – a helpful ally for joints and muscles

Can apigenin support joint and muscle health? As it turns out, yes. Regular use of apigenin contributes to a reduced inflammatory response in the joint area, reducing cell death and controlling the immune response in the affected areas. Apigenin can therefore effectively block the cellular processes responsible for inflammation in the joint area, promoting, for example, effective prevention of rheumatoid arthritis.

When it comes to improving muscle health and promoting muscle growth, apigenin appears to utilise several mechanisms of action. The first, as shown above, is the reduction of cortisol, which directly allows for a significant increase in testosterone, which is extremely important for muscle health.

Its direct consumption also inhibits the enzymes aromatase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, which are responsible for the conversion of testosterone to oestrogen. This means that apigenin increases its production through the gonadotropin axis, leading to accelerated muscle regeneration after intense physical exercise and, consequently, to their proper growth.

Does apigenin help with weight loss?

In studies conducted on mice fed a high-fat diet with added apigenin, levels of fatty acids, total cholesterol and other obesity indicators were reduced. The levels of these indicators correlate with obesity and metabolic syndrome, which may indicate similar potential weight loss benefits in humans.

What is more, apigenin also has a beneficial effect on glucose and lipid regulation, improving high blood pressure, heart weight and free fatty acids, thereby stimulating the body's overall metabolism.

Apigenin for children – is it safe?

Apigenin is present in many foods that we consume as part of our daily diet. It is therefore no surprise that many clinical studies have noted its positive effect on children's health, including those suffering from autoimmune disorders (e.g. PANDAS).

Apigenin supplementation in children is similar to that in adults. It can be taken with food or in the form of dietary supplements. However, it should be noted that the doses taken by adults may differ from those recommended for children. Therefore, before deciding to give apigenin to a child, it is wise to discuss your decision with a specialist.

Dietary supplements in tablets – what should you know about apigenin?

Taking a dietary supplement in the form of apigenin tablets may be interesting for several reasons. Firstly, it can be difficult to obtain sufficient amounts of apigenin through diet alone, especially if we want to benefit from its specific health-promoting effects. Dietary supplements are a practical and reliable solution that provides immediate results.

In addition, some people may have an increased need for apigenin from chamomile due to their lifestyle or health condition. For example, smokers and people exposed to high levels of pollution may benefit from apigenin supplementation, which helps neutralise free radicals and reduce oxidative damage.

Apigenin tablets can be used as part of a holistic approach to supporting overall health. Combined with a balanced diet, regular exercise and other wellness practices, apigenin will certainly support the entire body in many ways.

Apigenin – what are the reviews?

Apigenin has attracted considerable interest in many clinical studies. For example, the substance may have potential applications in cancer therapy. Several studies have shown that apigenin is able to prevent the proliferation of cancer cells. It may therefore play an important role in preventing the spread of metastases.

In addition, apigenin also has antioxidant, antimutagenic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also useful in maintaining oestrogen balance. The scientific community and users of apigenin are also optimistic about its use in cosmetics. Its antioxidant and soothing properties are useful in combating dark circles and puffiness under the eyes. Apigenin from chamomile is also used to treat nervous anxiety and excessive stress.

How to dose apigenin?

Apigenin is safe for human use due to its zero toxicity. Unfortunately, due to its low bioavailability, it is recommended to use dietary supplements containing apigenin, as apigenin obtained from food does not activate its health-promoting effects.

The dose used in studies is often between 50 and 100 mg. Most manufacturers recommend taking this dose primarily in the evening due to apigenin's clear ability to improve sleep quality.

Bibliography

‘A Review on Flavonoid Apigenin: Dietary Intake, ADME, Antimicrobial Effects, and Interactions with Human Gut Microbiota’ – M. Wang, J. Firrman, LS. Liu, K. Yam, BioMed Research International scientific journal, Hindawi, 2019.

‘Apigenin and naringenin regulate glucose and lipid metabolism, and ameliorate vascular dysfunction in type 2 diabetic rats’ – B. Ren et al., European Journal of Pharmacology, Elsevier, 2016.

‘Apigenin attenuates heart injury in lipopolysaccharide-induced endotoxemic model by suppressing sphingosine kinase 1/sphingosine 1-phosphate signalling pathway’ – T. Zhang et al., scientific journal Chemico-biological Interactions, Elsevier, 2015.

‘Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects’ – C. Wasowski et al., scientific journal Planta Medica, Georg Thieme Verlag, 1995.

‘Apigenin: a promising molecule for cancer prevention’ – S. Shukla, S. Gupta, scientific journal Pharmaceutical Research, Springer, 2010.

‘Apigenin-7-O-β-D-(-6''-p-coumaroyl)-Glucopyranoside Treatment Elicits Neuroprotective Effect against Experimental Ischemic Stroke’ – M. Cai et al., scientific journal International Journal of Biological Sciences, Ivyspring, 2016.

‘Aromatase and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibition by flavonoids’ – J. C. Le Bail, T. Laroche, F. Marre-Fournier, G. Habrioux, Cancer Letters scientific journal, Elsevier, 1998.

‘Does Oral Apigenin Have Real Potential for a Therapeutic Effect in the Context of Human Gastrointestinal and Other Cancers?’ – E. F. DeRango-Adem, J. Blay, scientific journal Frontiers in Pharmacology, Frontiers, 2021.

‘The Protective Effect of Apigenin on Myocardial Injury in Diabetic Rats mediating Activation of the PPAR-γ Pathway’ – U. B. Mahajan et al., International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 2017.

‘The Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin’ – B. Salehi et al., scientific journal International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 2019.

‘Updates on Nutraceutical Sleep Therapeutics and Investigational Research’ – M. Yurcheshen, M. Seehus, W. Pigeon, scientific journal Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, Hindawi, 2015.