Top Apigenin Benefits You Need to Know

Apigenin is a natural compound that can be found in some herbs, as well as in plant-based foods and beverages, like chamomile tea. This compound has gained popularity due to its suggested antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, brain-protective, and heart-protective properties. These effects give apigenin the potential to be used as an aid in the prevention and management of certain chronic conditions and disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases (that slowly damage the nervous system) and rheumatoid arthritis, among others.

In this article, we will explore what is apigenin, its sources, and its main potential benefits. We will also discuss how to include apigenin in your diet and what precautions must be taken before doing so.

Why is apigenin important for our bodies?

Apigenin belongs to a group of plant derivates known as flavonoids, which can be found in many fruits and vegetables, as well as some herbs and plant-based beverages.

Flavonoids have gained popularity due to their proposed anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and antioxidant properties, which may potentially help support overall health.

In this sense, apigenin may not only be effective in supporting overall health, but research has also suggested that it may even induce positive benefits when used along with medical treatment for conditions like cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and heart disease, among others.

Top benefits of apigenin

It is important to point out that research is still ongoing and more studies are necessary to fully determine the effects of apigenin in the human body.

However, when pairing this supplement with proper medical treatment, apigenin may be able to induce certain health benefits.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Apigenin may help modulate inflammation through several mechanisms, such as altering the expression of inflammatory molecules in the body.

This effect may aid in the management of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, certain skin disorders, and some types of cancer, among others.

Nevertheless, while research has yielded positive results, more clinical trials in humans are needed to establish whether apigenin might be beneficial to be potentially used by itself or as an adjuvant treatment for certain inflammatory diseases.

Antioxidant power

Under certain conditions, the cells of the body can get damaged due to an excess of molecules known as free radicals. This process is called oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may potentially lead to premature aging and several health issues, like increasing the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and cardiovascular (heart) disorders.

In some studies, apigenin has been proposed as a powerful antioxidant, potentially having the ability to neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to the cells of the body.

However, even though apigenin has been suggested to be useful in supporting healthy aging, more clinical studies are needed to fully understand its effects on humans.

Potential benefits for brain health

Due to its ability to prevent oxidative stress and reduce inflammation in the body, apigenin was reported to have neuroprotective properties. This means that to some extent it confers protection to the brain and nervous system.

Because of this, apigenin may be potentially useful to halter the progression and aid in the management of some neurodegenerative conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Nevertheless, at present, more human clinical trials are necessary to fully understand the impact of apigenin on brain function and the nervous system, as well as the effects it can have in the long term.

Potential anti-cancer properties

Apigenin has been suggested to reduce the risk of onset and slow the progression of certain types of cancer by promoting the development of normal versus cancerous cells in the body. This is done through several potential mechanisms:

• Neutralizing free radicals, thus decreasing oxidative stress.
• Inducing apoptosis (programmed cell death) of cancerous cells.
• Inhibiting angiogenesis (the development of new blood vessels) that feed tumors.
• Preventing invasion and metastasis (spread from one site to another) of cancerous cells.

So, even though more research is necessary on this subject, apigenin has been suggested to have potential both in vitro and in vivo to halt the replication of several types of cancerous cells, including bladder, ovarian, liver, lung, prostate, pancreatic, cervical, skin, colorectal, stomach, and breast cancer cells, among others.

Nevertheless, it is imperative to point out that, at the time, apigenin cannot be recommended as a treatment or stand-alone prevention tool for cancer. Instead, this supplement should be part of a healthy balanced diet to support overall health.

Cardiovascular support

Apigenin may have the potential to decrease the levels of fatty acids and total cholesterol in the blood. This effect may reduce the risk of atherosclerosis (build-up of fat inside the arteries) potentially decreasing the likelihood of certain cardiovascular diseases, including stroke and myocardial infarction (heart attack).

Furthermore, in some animal models, apigenin has been proposed to be useful in managing high blood pressure.

Nevertheless, more research is necessary to fully determine the effects of this compound on the cardiovascular system, as the current results obtained in animal studies may not translate to humans.

How to add apigenin to your routine

Apigenin can be found in a wide myriad of foods and herbs, including chamomile, oranges, celery, artichokes, onions, parsley, basil, thyme, and oregano. It is also abundant in certain drinks like tea, beer, and wine. So, drinking one or two cups of chamomile extract tea per day, or seasoning your foods with any of these herbs, may help you keep up with your dietary apigenin intake.

However, if you don’t think you can eat or drink enough apigenin-containing foods or drinks, you may choose to get supplements instead.

Commercial apigenin supplements come in the form of capsules, tablets, and powders. There are no official guidelines on recommended daily dosage of this supplement, thus, it is important to follow the manufacturer's recommendations and choose a product from a reputable third-party-tested brand. This may ensure you get a high-quality and safe supplement.

Furthermore, it is important to point out that while apigenin is considered generally safe, it might interact with certain drugs. Additionally, at high doses (100 mg/kg or 45.36 mg/lb), it has been reported to induce liver injury in animal models. Even though the results from this animal study may not translate to humans, the intake of large amounts of apigenin is not recommended. Additionally, it is best to consult a healthcare provider before taking this supplement to make sure it is right and safe for you.

Bottom line

Apigenin is proposed to be a promising compound that is naturally present in many foods and plant-based drinks.

While the effects of apigenin in humans have not been fully elucidated, and research is still ongoing, due to its potential anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties, it might be worth adding this supplement to a balanced health regimen.

Remember that it is imperative to consult a healthcare practitioner before starting this or any other supplement, to ensure its safety and effectiveness in your particular case.