Apigenin is a promising flavonoid with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties. The natural compound is also believed to block the accumulation of uric acid in the body, which has the beneficial effect of preventing gout.
This flavonoid is found in large quantities in herbs, such as peppermint, thyme, and parsley. It also occurs in many other herbs, including yarrow, vervain herb, perilla herb, chamomile herb, and lemon balm. The phytochemical compound is also found in tomato sauce and red wine.
Keep reading for insight on the safety and effectiveness of apigenin in the human body.
What Is Apigenin?
As we've already mentioned, apigenin is a natural flavonoid found in numerous plants. It serves as an antioxidant and a free radical scavenger that reduces oxidative stress.
Flavonoids are naturally occurring phytochemical compounds in plants. They protect the plant tissues against sunlight and pathogens. They are also instrumental in regulating metabolism and attracting pollinators.
Apigenin has become the focus of multiple scientific studies because of its potential to boost cellular health in different body tissues. If you want to get ahead of the curve with a reasonable health regimen, you may want to try apigenin supplements.
The Benefits of Apigenin
Apigenin provides a variety of health benefits, including supporting healthy skin and promoting brain and heart health.
Although most studies use animal samples, they reveal the potential benefits and working mechanisms of apigenin and other flavonoids.
- Acts as an Antioxidant
Flavonoids are well known for their great antioxidant effects, and apigenin is no exception.
Due to its antioxidant properties, this plant nutrient is used to enhance skin health and utilized as an anti-aging agent. Topical apigenin can also help reduce acne and encourage the growth of new skin cells.
Apigenin is also known for its significant anti-inflammatory effects.
- Has Antimicrobial Properties
Studies have shown that the flavone has autoreverse antibiotic effects, which implies that it could work against some antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
Research findings suggest that this promising dietary supplement could help improve the effectiveness of antibiotics.
The phytonutrient was also shown to inhibit many viruses, including influenza, herpes, African swine fever, and hand, foot, and mouth disease.
- Boosts Cognitive Function
This nutrient is also known for its neuroprotective properties.
According to Neural Regeneration Research, apigenin can boost cognitive function due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
In animal studies, the nutrient was able to enhance learning and memory. In humans, it contributed to the suppression of inflammatory mediators.
- Promotes Cardiovascular Health
Apigenin promotes heart health by relieving inflammation and lowering blood pressure. It has been shown to possess cardioprotective attributes in mice with heart damage.
In one study, Apigenin helped protect the animals against heart disorders by lowering oxidative stress and reducing cell death.
- Relieves Pain
Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, apigenin may help ease discomfort and reduce pain related to inflammation. It helps to reduce pain from infections, digestive issues, and migraine pain.
The phytonutrient also reduces the production of cytokines, whose overproduction could lead to health problems.
- Eases Anxiety, Stress, and Depression
Apigenin has significant sedative and relaxing effects. The flavone lowers cortisol levels, thereby preventing your body's “fight or flight” response to stress. This stress response could otherwise take a toll on your body.
That's why chamomile tea is often recommended for anxiety, sleep, and relaxation.
In animal studies, the compound also helped to boost mood and ease symptoms of depression.
- Helps Fight Diabetes.
Big flavor, zero calories, and a significant amount of antioxidants make chamomile tea one of the best drinks for fighting diabetes. Studies have shown that consuming chamomile tea frequently can help reduce blood sugar levels while preventing health issues, such as blindness and kidney disease.
Research has shown that apigenin boosts insulin resistance and helps with managing diabetes.
One recent study established that it can reduce insulin resistance and improve glucose intolerance.
- Acts as an Anti-Cancer Agent
Multiple scientific studies have shown that apigenin has anticancer effects.
This bioflavonoid helps support the regulatory Steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) and may encourage healthy levels of blood lipid.
According to a report in the Phytotherapy Research, apigenin induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in different types of cancers, including cervical, blood, skin, breast, pancreatic, prostate, colon, liver, and lung.
Studies show great potential for this flavone to boost prostate health in older men. Research also reveals that this product may inhibit enzymes associated with prostate health issues.
- May Boost Testosterone Levels
Trials suggest that the flavone increases testosterone production and prevents the repression of testosterone by certain proteins.
Due to its potential effect on testosterone levels, apigenin has become quite popular in the bodybuilding community. Here, apigenin supplements help to boost testosterone levels and may block the production of estrogen. This can help you build muscle, gain strength, and stay lean.
Potential Side Effects
Naturally ingested apigenin does not cause any significant side effects.
The dosage of clinically extracted apigenin will vary depending on an individual's age, gender, and health.
You should take the product as per your doctor's directions. Taking too much of it may induce sedation and numbness for an extended period of time.
Usage Instructions
You can consume natural apigenin by eating fruits and vegetables that contain this bioflavonoid.
Taking this compound from its natural sources is ideal for your overall health and wellness because the effectiveness of apigenin is supplemented by the other chemical compounds found in the plant.
The recommended dosage is 3-10mg per kg of body weight to treat anxiety, stress, and mild cases of depression.
A recent study done in the Netherlands revealed that 23mg of flavonoids in a day is sufficient for adults. Other studies suggest that the consumption of antioxidants in diets is almost equal to 1g of glycosides. Research has also shown that the daily consumption of apigenin actually ranges from about 0.69 milligrams to 3milligrams a day.
Higher amounts of this flavonoid may have sedative and anti-anxiety effects. However, further research is required for higher doses. Higher doses are often recommended for increasing the level of testosterone.
Nonetheless, because of its laxative effects, too much apigenin may cause sedation and relaxation.
Potential Side Effects
Apigenin is widely considered safe when used in the right dosage through natural sources like herbs, fruits, and vegetables.
In case you experience an upset stomach after taking the flavanoid or chamomile extract, you should stop using it immediately.
Topical apigenin may cause sensitivity or skin irritation, so if you experience any severe reaction, stop using it immediately.
Further research is required to determine the safety and effectiveness of high doses of apigenin. Before taking supplements or extracts for your condition, consult your doctor.
Apigenin Sources
You can obtain this highly beneficial nutrient in different foods or supplements. Apigenin is found in herbs, fruits, veggies, and beverages that most people consume on a regular basis.
Some of these foods include parsley, spinach, cilantro, onions, celery, oranges, rutabagas, kumquats, chamomile, oregano, thyme, tarragon, spearmint, passionflower, and basil. Apigenin beverages include tea, wine, and beer.
Adding dried parsley to your recipes and consuming chamomile tea are great ways to benefit from this super nutrient.
Apigenin supplements have higher amounts of the flavonoid than you would typically get from foods. A few supplements may also contain additional flavonoids like quercetin.
Conclusion
Apigenin is a powerful flavonoid that is naturally present in different herbs, fruits, and vegetables. It can be obtained through dietary sources such as celery, oranges, oregano, chamomile tea, parsley, wine, and beer.
When consumed properly, this compound can increase testosterone levels, fight cancerous cells, and support cardiovascular health, to mention but a few.
One of the best ways of consuming it is through food sources. You can also take it through dietary supplements, which usually contain the compound in higher concentrations. However, you should consult a medical practitioner before using these supplements.