From the Guidelines
Apigenin has been shown to inhibit AGE formation in vitro, making it a potential dietary component for reducing the risk of age-related diseases 1.
Introduction to Apigenin
Apigenin is a natural flavonoid compound found in various plants, including fruits, vegetables, and herbs like chamomile, parsley, celery, and oregano. It has been studied for its potential health benefits, which include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties.
Health Benefits of Apigenin
The health benefits of apigenin are thought to be mediated through its ability to modulate various cellular pathways, including those involved in inflammation and cell growth regulation. Apigenin may also have mild anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects through interaction with GABA receptors in the brain.
Dietary Sources and Supplementation
Typical dietary intake of apigenin provides small amounts, but supplements are available in doses ranging from 50-500mg daily. However, no official recommended dosage exists, and individuals interested in apigenin supplementation should consult with a healthcare provider before starting, especially those who are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
Safety and Interactions
Apigenin is generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts, but higher supplemental doses may cause side effects or interact with medications, particularly blood thinners or drugs metabolized by the liver.
Key Findings
- Apigenin inhibits AGE formation in vitro 1
- Apigenin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties
- Typical dietary intake provides small amounts, but supplements are available
- No official recommended dosage exists
- Consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications Some key points to consider when evaluating the potential health benefits of apigenin include:
- The evidence for apigenin's health benefits is largely based on laboratory studies, and more research is needed to confirm its effects in humans
- Apigenin may interact with certain medications or have side effects in high doses
- A healthcare provider should be consulted before starting apigenin supplementation, especially for individuals with certain health conditions or taking medications.
From the Research
Health Benefits of Apigenin
- Apigenin is a powerful flavone compound found in numerous fruits and vegetables, offering numerous health-promoting benefits 2
- It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, making it a promising candidate for reducing the risk of pathogenesis 2, 3, 4
- Apigenin positively affects various systems in the body, such as the respiratory, digestive, immune, and reproductive systems 2
- It is effective in treating liver, lung, heart, kidney, neurological diseases, diabetes, and maintaining good oral and skin health 2
Anticancer Properties of Apigenin
- Apigenin has been found to suppress various types of cancer through the induction of apoptosis and cell-cycle arrest, suppressing cell migration and invasion, reduction of inflammation, and inhibiting angiogenesis 2, 5, 6
- It has potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties, making it a possible chemotherapeutic modality due to its low intrinsic toxicity and remarkable effects on normal versus cancerous cells 5, 6
- Apigenin's anticancer effects could also be due to its differential effects in causing minimal toxicity to normal cells with delayed plasma clearance and slow decomposition in liver increasing the systemic bioavailability in pharmacokinetic studies 6
Cardioprotective Role of Apigenin
- Apigenin possesses a wide range of biological properties that exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antibacterial effects, which are beneficial in the treatment of atherosclerosis, stroke, hypertension, ischemia/reperfusion-induced myocardial injury, and diabetic cardiomyopathy 3
- It provides protection against drug-induced cardiotoxicity and has potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of various cardiovascular disorders 3
Antioxidant Mechanism of Apigenin
- The antioxidant mechanism of apigenin includes: oxidant enzymes inhibition, modulation of redox signaling pathways (NF-kB, Nrf2, MAPK, and P13/Akt), reinforcing enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidant, metal chelation, and free radical scavenging 4
- Apigenin is a potent antioxidant compound to overcome the difficulties related to oxidative stress and other chronic diseases 4