Apigenin
Also known as: Biapigenin (a dimer found in nature), 4' 5 7-Trihydroxyflavone
Overview
Apigenin is a flavone (a subclass of bioflavonoids) primarily found in plants. It is frequently extracted from the plant Matricaria recutita L (chamomile), a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. In foods and herbs, apigenin is often found in the more stable derivative form of apigenin-7-O-glucoside.
Benefits
Animal studies suggest that apigenin may impede genetic mutations in cells that are exposed to toxins and bacteria. Apigenin may also play a direct role in the removal of free radicals, inhibition of tumor growth enzymes, and induction of detoxification enzymes such as glutathione. Apigenin’s anti-inflammatory ability may also explain its effects on mental health, brain function, and immunological response, though some large observational studies don’t support a potential effect with respect to metabolic conditions.
How it works
Though there are few human clinical trials studying the effects of apigenin as a single compound, at least in part because of its instability when isolated, preclinical studies have suggested that apigenin may improve outcomes in anxiety, brain function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal regulation (testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol).
Side effects
For general health needs, multiple daily servings of fruits and vegetables can provide adequate amounts of apigenin, which is estimated to be less than 5 mg/day. Apigenin is sufficiently bioavailable through such dietary sources. In contrast, apigenin that’s been isolated from its source is rarely stable enough to be absorbed by the body. Because isolated apigenin is so unstable, it is unlikely that it will be available in supplement form.
Dosage
There is little evidence to suggest that apigenin causes adverse effects when consumed as part of a normal diet. No toxicity has been reported as a result of dietary apigenin intake. It should be noted, however, that when dosages exceed typical intake to an extreme (30–100 mg/kg of body weight), sedation has been reported as a side effect.
FAQs
What is apigenin?
Apigenin is a flavone (a subclass of bioflavonoids) primarily found in plants. It is frequently extracted from the plant Matricaria recutita L (chamomile), a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. In foods and herbs, apigenin is often found in the more stable derivative form of apigenin-7-O-glucoside.
What are apigenin’s main benefits?
Though there are few human clinical trials studying the effects of apigenin as a single compound, at least in part because of its instability when isolated, preclinical studies have suggested that apigenin may improve outcomes in anxiety, brain function, oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormonal regulation (testosterone, estrogen, and cortisol).
What are apigenin’s main drawbacks?
There is little evidence to suggest that apigenin causes adverse effects when consumed as part of a normal diet. No toxicity has been reported as a result of dietary apigenin intake. It should be noted, however, that when dosages exceed typical intake to an extreme (30–100 mg/kg of body weight), sedation has been reported as a side effect.
How does apigenin work?
Animal studies suggest that apigenin may impede genetic mutations in cells that are exposed to toxins and bacteria. Apigenin may also play a direct role in the removal of free radicals, inhibition of tumor growth enzymes, and induction of detoxification enzymes such as glutathione. Apigenin’s anti-inflammatory ability may also explain its effects on mental health, brain function, and immunological response, though some large observational studies don’t support a potential effect with respect to metabolic conditions.
Supplements Containing Apigenin

Blue Gene
Controlled Labs

CalmEaze
Addrena

One-Per-Day Tablets
Life Extension

Two-Per-Day Capsules
Life Extension

Two-Per-Day Tablets
Life Extension

Two-Per-Day Tablets
Life Extension

Optimum Strength MultiVitamin
Life Extension

Life Extenstion Mix Capsules
Life Extension

Life Extenstion Mix Capsules
Life Extension