Apigenin and Appetite Regulation
Apigenin has no established role in appetite regulation and is not recommended as an appetite stimulant in clinical practice. The available evidence focuses entirely on apigenin's anticancer properties and pharmacokinetics, with no data addressing appetite effects 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.
Evidence Gap
- No clinical trials or guidelines exist evaluating apigenin for appetite stimulation in any patient population 6, 7, 8, 9
- The comprehensive oncology guidelines addressing appetite stimulants (ESPEN 2017, FNCLCC 2003) do not mention apigenin among evaluated agents 6
- Research on apigenin focuses exclusively on its anticancer mechanisms, bioavailability challenges, and gastrointestinal absorption—not appetite regulation 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Established Appetite Stimulants (For Context)
If appetite stimulation is your clinical goal, use evidence-based first-line agents instead:
First-Line Option
- Megestrol acetate 400-800 mg daily is the most extensively studied and effective appetite stimulant, with one in four patients experiencing increased appetite 7, 8
- Monitor for thromboembolic events (occurs in approximately 1 in 6 patients) and avoid in elderly patients undergoing resistance training 7, 8
Alternative Options
- Dexamethasone 2-8 mg/day for short-term use (1-3 weeks) in patients with limited life expectancy due to rapid onset 8, 9
- Mirtazapine 7.5-30 mg at bedtime when depression coexists with appetite loss 8, 9
Not Recommended
- Dronabinol has insufficient evidence for routine appetite stimulation despite theoretical mechanisms 6, 7, 8, 9
Clinical Bottom Line
Do not use apigenin for appetite stimulation. While apigenin is a bioactive flavonoid with potential anticancer properties when absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract 2, 5, there is zero evidence supporting its use for appetite regulation. If appetite stimulation is needed, prescribe megestrol acetate as the evidence-based first-line agent 7, 8.