From the Guidelines
Apigenin has been shown to have potential health benefits, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties, as demonstrated in laboratory and animal studies 1. The benefits of apigenin are thought to be due to its ability to modulate various cellular pathways, including those involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell cycle regulation. Some of the key benefits of apigenin include:
- Reducing anxiety and promoting sleep by binding to GABA receptors in the brain, similar to how certain anti-anxiety medications work but with fewer side effects
- Lowering inflammation throughout the body, potentially benefiting conditions like arthritis and cardiovascular disease
- Inhibiting cancer cell growth and enhancing the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs
- Acting as an inhibitor of AGE formation, which can contribute to the development of various diseases, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease 1 For those interested in consuming more apigenin, drinking chamomile tea (1-2 cups daily) or incorporating more parsley and celery into meals are simple approaches. However, specific therapeutic dosages haven't been well-established, and apigenin supplements vary widely in quality and concentration. It is also worth noting that apigenin has been found in various plant-based foods and beverages, including tea, which has been shown to have anti-AGE activity and may be a healthy option for daily intake 1. Overall, while more research is needed to fully understand the benefits and potential uses of apigenin, the current evidence suggests that it may be a valuable compound for promoting overall health and well-being.
From the Research
Benefits of Apigenin
The benefits of apigenin are numerous and well-documented in various studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. Some of the key benefits include:
- Anti-inflammatory properties: Apigenin has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory activities, which can help reduce the risk of various diseases 2, 4, 6.
- Antioxidant properties: Apigenin has antioxidant properties, which can help protect against cell damage and reduce the risk of certain diseases 2, 4, 6.
- Anti-cancer properties: Apigenin has been shown to have anti-cancer effects, including suppressing cell growth, inducing apoptosis, and inhibiting angiogenesis 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Cardiovascular health: Apigenin may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and improving lipid profiles 2, 6.
- Neuroprotective effects: Apigenin may have neuroprotective effects, which can help reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases 4, 6.
Mechanisms of Action
The mechanisms of action of apigenin are complex and involve the modulation of various cellular signaling pathways, including:
- PI3K/AKT pathway: Apigenin has been shown to inhibit the PI3K/AKT pathway, which can help suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis 2, 3, 5.
- MAPK/ERK pathway: Apigenin has been shown to inhibit the MAPK/ERK pathway, which can help suppress cell growth and induce apoptosis 2, 3, 5.
- NF-κB pathway: Apigenin has been shown to inhibit the NF-κB pathway, which can help reduce inflammation and suppress cell growth 2, 3, 5.
Potential Applications
The potential applications of apigenin are numerous and include:
- Cancer prevention and treatment: Apigenin may be used as a dietary supplement or adjuvant chemotherapeutic agent to prevent and treat cancer 2, 3, 5, 6.
- Cardiovascular disease prevention: Apigenin may be used to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease by lowering blood pressure and improving lipid profiles 2, 6.
- Neurodegenerative disease prevention: Apigenin may be used to reduce the risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's 4, 6.