Apigenin

non-nutrient_non-botanical
View products

Apigenin is a bioactive plant flavonoid found in various fruits, vegetables, and herbs, most notably in parsley and chamomile. As a member of the flavone subclass, its distinct chemical structure allows it to interact with diverse cellular pathways. Such interactions support its biological activities, which include antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties along with potential anticancer effects. Research indicates that apigenin operates through several mechanisms, such as modulating enzyme activities and inhibiting inflammatory signaling pathways like NF-κB. These processes are fundamental to its ability to help manage oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and potentially protect tissues and organs, including the brain. Apigenin is frequently included in dietary supplements for its potential role in supporting cognitive function and cardiovascular health. Its potential roles also include relaxation and protection of cellular integrity against damage and dysfunction.

Natural sources
ParsleyChamomileCelerySpinachArtichokesOrangesSpearmintBasilOreganoCoriander

No public comparison lists found.

Optimal Dosage
Minimum10 mg
Maximum50 mg
Safety & Toxicity
Toxicity Threshold50 mg
Toxicity EffectStomach irritation, nausea
4 safety notes
  • Pregnant or nursing women should consult a healthcare professional before use.
  • Individuals with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery should exercise caution due to potential mild antiplatelet effects.
  • May enhance the effects of sedatives; use with caution if taking other substances that cause drowsiness.
  • Consult a healthcare professional if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
Goals
Anti-Aging
Anti-Aging
Impact
Moderate effect
Typical dose:50–200 mg

Apigenin has been shown to inhibit the enzyme CD38, which is a primary consumer of NAD+, thereby helping to preserve NAD+ levels essential for mitochondrial function and DNA repair. It also shows promise in helping the body clear senescent 'zombie' cells that contribute to aging. Additionally, it binds to GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and deeper sleep.

Focuses on
Biological age markersSkin elasticityWrinkle reductionCellular senescenceOxidative stress
Most relevant for
Individuals interested in dietary antioxidants that correlate with slower biological aging markers and topical skin health.

Potential benefits

  • Biological Aging Markers.Unconfirmed. Large-scale observational data links higher dietary apigenin intake to slower biological aging markers, though it is unproven if concentrated supplements provide a similar benefit.
  • Skin Appearance.Unconfirmed. Clinical research on topical apigenin suggests it can improve skin density and reduce fine wrinkles, but these effects have not been established for oral supplementation.
  • Cellular Health.Unconfirmed. Laboratory studies indicate apigenin may protect against cellular senescence and collagen breakdown, though human evidence for these systemic anti-aging effects is currently unavailable.

Limitations

  • Lack of Interventional Data.Most human evidence for systemic aging is derived from cross-sectional dietary surveys, which cannot establish a cause-and-effect relationship for apigenin supplements.
  • Delivery Method Differences.Results from topical skin studies cannot be used to predict the effectiveness of oral apigenin for skin health or systemic aging.
  • Unproven Longevity.There is currently no clinical evidence that apigenin supplementation extends human lifespan or prevents age-related functional decline.
Things to consider

Apigenin may promote relaxation and deeper sleep by binding to GABA receptors, which should be considered when determining the timing of intake.

Study evidence

3 studies

Apigenin has promising links to healthy aging, but the evidence concerns dietary associations and a skin cream. It does not establish that taking an apigenin supplement slows biological aging, extends life, or produces the skin benefits seen with topical use.

View goal
Sleep Support
Sleep Support
Impact
Moderate effect
Typical dose:50–200 mg

Apigenin is found in chamomile and other plants. Laboratory and animal findings, or studies of whole chamomile extracts, cannot establish the sleep benefits or safety of isolated apigenin supplements. Direct human evidence is needed to determine effective doses, sleep benefits, and long-term safety.

Focuses on
Relaxation supportSleep readinessChamomile-derived compound
Most relevant for
Individuals looking for plant-derived compounds associated with relaxation, provided they acknowledge the current lack of direct human evidence for its effectiveness as a sleep aid.

Potential benefits

  • Relaxation Support.Unconfirmed. Plausibly contributes to the calming effect seen in plants like chamomile, but direct human evidence for the isolated compound is missing.
  • Sleep Quality.Unconfirmed. Promoted for improving sleep quality, though clinical trials have yet to establish its effectiveness compared to a placebo.

Limitations

  • Reliance on Indirect Evidence.Research is largely limited to animal studies or trials using whole-plant extracts rather than isolated apigenin.
  • Absence of Standard Dosing.There is no clinically established dose for apigenin, making it difficult to determine effective or safe intake levels.
  • Unknown Safety Profile.Long-term safety and potential interactions with other medications or supplements have not been thoroughly evaluated in humans.
Things to consider

Clinical data on long-term safety and effective dosages for human sleep support are currently unavailable.

Study evidence

No published studies for this goal yet.

View goal
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Anti-Inflammatory Support
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:50–200 mg

Apigenin is a natural compound found in plants like chamomile that modulates the body's inflammatory response at a molecular level. It helps downregulate the production of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, making it a valuable situational tool for managing chronic, low-grade inflammation.

Focuses on
Systemic inflammation markersInflammatory pathwaysCytokine modulation
Most relevant for
Individuals exploring plant-based flavonoids for wellness, though clinical evidence for a specific anti-inflammatory effect in humans is currently lacking.

Potential benefits

  • Potential Pathway Modulation.Unconfirmed. While apigenin is researched for its potential to inhibit inflammatory pathways, this benefit is unproven in humans as current evidence shows no significant impact on systemic inflammatory markers.

Limitations

  • No Observed Clinical Effect.A large-scale cohort study of over 38,000 women found that dietary intake of apigenin was not significantly associated with lower levels of inflammation markers like CRP or IL-6.
  • Dietary vs. Supplemental Gap.Available research focuses on apigenin consumed through whole foods; the effectiveness and bioavailability of concentrated supplements for reducing inflammation are not established.
  • Population Constraints.Current null findings are primarily based on studies of middle-aged and older women, and results may not be applicable to other age groups or demographics.

Study evidence

1 study

The available research does not establish that Apigenin reduces inflammation. It examines dietary flavonoids in women, with no clear relationship between overall flavonoid intake and inflammatory markers, rather than directly testing Apigenin supplements or their effects on inflammation.

View goal
Stress Relief
Stress Relief
Impact
Situational effect
Typical dose:25–100 mg

Apigenin acts as a mild sedative by binding to specific receptors in the brain (benzodiazepine receptors), which reduces anxiety without the side effects of stronger medications. It is particularly effective for unwinding from stress in the evening.

Focuses on
Anxiety risk reductionDietary flavonoid intakeChamomile extractEmotional well-beingRelaxation support
Most relevant for
Individuals looking to support their emotional health through dietary flavonoids or chamomile-derived extracts.

Potential benefits

  • Dietary Anxiety Support.Unconfirmed. Observational data suggests that individuals with a higher dietary intake of apigenin tend to have a lower risk of anxiety, though this doesn't prove apigenin is the direct cause.
  • Chamomile-Based Relaxation.Unconfirmed. Chamomile extract, which contains apigenin, has shown modest efficacy in reducing symptoms of generalized anxiety in clinical trials.

Limitations

  • Isolated Supplement Uncertainty.Evidence is primarily based on dietary intake or whole chamomile extracts; the specific effects of isolated apigenin supplements for stress relief have not been established.
  • Observational Data.The link between flavonoid intake and lower anxiety is correlational and may be influenced by other dietary or lifestyle factors.
  • Clinical Population Focus.Research has largely focused on individuals with clinical anxiety disorders rather than everyday stress relief in the general population.
Things to consider

As apigenin is noted for mild sedative properties, it may contribute to sleepiness when used in the evening.

Study evidence

2 studies

Apigenin has an indirect connection with stress relief: higher dietary intake has been associated with less anxiety, and chamomile extract has shown modest anxiety benefits. These findings do not establish that apigenin supplements themselves reduce stress or anxiety.

View goal

Studies

Research connections will load here.
Interactions

Positive Interactions

Vitamin C
May enhance overall antioxidant capacity due to synergistic effects with Apigenin.
Vitamin E
May contribute to a stronger antioxidant defense system when combined with Apigenin.
Selenium
May provide synergistic antioxidant protection alongside Apigenin.
Turmeric
Apigenin and Curcumin (from Turmeric) both possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially leading to enhanced effects.
Curcumin
Apigenin and Curcumin both possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, potentially leading to enhanced effects.
Green Tea
May offer synergistic antioxidant benefits as both contain various flavonoids.
Coenzyme Q-10
May provide enhanced antioxidant and cellular energy support in conjunction with Apigenin.
Astaxanthin
May amplify antioxidant protection due to complementary mechanisms of action.
Lycopene
May contribute to stronger antioxidant effects, particularly against lipid peroxidation.
Gluthathione
May support the body's natural antioxidant system through synergistic action.
Glutathione
May support the body's natural antioxidant system through synergistic action.
Rutin
As both are flavonoids, they may exert synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Resveratrol
Both Apigenin and Resveratrol are polyphenols with overlapping antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially enhancing their overall effects.
Bacopa
May enhance neuroprotective and cognitive support benefits.
Ashwagandha
May offer complementary adaptogenic and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Ginkgo
May enhance neuroprotective and antioxidant support for brain health.
Melatonin
May complement Melatonin's effects in promoting relaxation and sleep due to Apigenin's presence in chamomile.

Negative Interactions

Vitamin K
Apigenin may possess mild antiplatelet activity, which could theoretically, at very high doses, counteract Vitamin K's role in blood clotting, though clinical significance is generally low.
Sources

Up to five highest-ranked published examples per goal. Study counts and charts include all published studies for the connection.

  1. Associations of dietary flavones, particularly apigenin and luteolin, with phenotypic age acceleration: A cross-sectional study using NHANES data.
    Wang X; Liu C; Li G; Tian S; Peng W; Liu P · Medicine · 2025
    Cross-sectional study10,789 participantsAnti-Aging
  2. Interpretable machine learning with SHAP analysis identifies redox-modulating dietary antioxidants for predicting accelerated biological aging.
    Zhang B; Zhang X; Ma L; Li D; Li Y; Lin S; Peng L; He L · Experimental gerontology · 2026
    Cross-sectional study8,125 participantsAnti-Aging
  3. Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
    Sungjin Choi, Jeungyeun Youn, Karam Kim, Da Hye Joo, Shanghun Shin, Jeongju Lee, Hyun Kyung Lee, In-Sook An, Seungbin Kwon, Hae Jeong Youn, Kyu Joong Ahn, Sungkwan An, Hwa Jun Cha · International journal of molecular medicine · 2016
    Randomized trial40 participantsAnti-Aging
  4. Associations of dietary flavonoids with risk of type 2 diabetes, and markers of insulin resistance and systemic inflammation in women: a prospective study and cross-sectional analysis.
    Song Y; Manson JE; Buring JE; Sesso HD; Liu S · Journal of the American College of Nutrition · 2005
    Cohort study38,018 participantsAnti-Inflammatory Support
  5. Association between dietary flavonoid intake and anxiety: data from NHANES 2017-2018.
    Jin L; Wu L; Zhu G; Yang L; Zhao D; He J; Zhang Y · BMC public health · 2025
    Observational study1,637 participantsStress Relief
  6. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder
    Jay D Amsterdam, Yimei Li, Irene Soeller, Kenneth Rockwell, Jun James Mao, Justine Shults · Journal of clinical psychopharmacology · 2009
    Randomized trial57 participantsStress Relief