What is Apigenin?

Apigenin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in various plants, fruits, herbs, and vegetables. It plays an important role in plant defense mechanisms and is being studied for its potential to support human health as well.

Apigenin belongs to the flavone subclass of flavonoids, a group of polyphenolic compounds recognized for their antioxidant properties and the ability to support a healthy inflammatory response.1 Research suggests that Apigenin’s interaction with GABA receptors in the brain may promote relaxation and support restful sleep.2 Additionally, it has been studied for its potential to help reduce oxidative stress and provide overall immune support.3

Apigenin’s properties make it an interesting compound for those looking to promote their overall health through natural means — whether you are seeking support for relaxation, cognitive health, or cardiovascular well-being.

Natural Sources of Apigenin

Apigenin is naturally found in a wide range of plant-based foods and beverages.4 Below are some common sources to include in your diet for a natural intake of apigenin:

1. Herbs

Many herbs commonly used in cooking naturally contain Apigenin, including:

Parsley
Chamomile
Oregano
Thyme
Basil
Sage
Rosemary

2. Vegetables

Certain vegetables are naturally high in Apigenin, making them a good addition to a well-balanced diet, such as:

Celery
Artichokes
Onions and Spinach

3. Fruits

While fruits tend to contain lower amounts of apigenin compared to herbs and vegetables, some provide measurable amounts, including:

Citrus Fruit
Kumquats and Watermelon

4. Beverages

Beverages made from plants or herbs containing Apigenin offer a convenient way to consume this flavonoid. This includes beverages like:

Chamomile Tea
Green Tea and Red Wine
Beer

Mechanism of Action – How Does Apigenin Work?

Apigenin has a multifaceted mechanism of action that may support overall health. Below is a breakdown of how apigenin interacts with the body:

1. Antioxidant and Inflammation Support

Apigenin acts as a powerful antioxidant by neutralizing free radicals in the body, which can contribute to oxidative stress and affect overall well-being.

Antioxidant Action: Apigenin helps support the body’s natural defense against oxidative stress, which can promote healthy aging and support skin health and appearance. (5)
Support for a Healthy Inflammatory Response: Apigenin may help support the body’s normal inflammatory response, which plays a key role in maintaining overall health. (6)

2. Neuroprotective Properties

One important area of research regarding Apigenin is its potential to support brain health and cognitive function.

GABA Receptor Interaction: Apigenin interacts with GABA-A receptors in the brain, which helps to support a calm and relaxed state. It’s being researched as a natural way to promote a balanced mood. (7)
Blood-Brain Barrier Penetration: Apigenin can cross the blood-brain barrier, which may allow it to support brain health by interacting with brain cells directly. (8)

3. Cellular Effects

Apigenin plays a role in supporting healthy cellular processes.

Cell Cycle Support: It helps maintain healthy cell division, an important function for overall cell health. (9)
Apoptosis Induction: Apigenin has been studied for its potential to influence normal cellular processes, like aiding natural cell death functions. (10)
Signaling Pathway Modulation: Apigenin may interact with key cellular signaling pathways in the body, which are involved in cellular functions like survival and growth. (11)

What is Apigenin Good for? 5 Potential Benefits

Apigenin offers a broad range of health benefits—from supporting relaxation and healthy brain function to promoting cardiovascular health. Its natural origins and relatively low risk of side effects make it an appealing option for individuals looking to support their overall well-being through natural means. The following are some of the purported benefits of apigenin:

1. Support for Healthy Sleep Patterns

This natural flavonoid is known for its potential to support healthy sleep patterns. Apigenin interacts with GABA receptors in the brain, which are involved in regulating mood and promoting relaxation.12

By influencing these receptors, Apigenin may support stress relief, which can be beneficial when preparing for sleep. And, unlike synthetic sleep aids, apigenin naturally promotes relaxation without causing drowsiness or dependency.

Thus, chamomile tea, a natural source of apigenin, may be used as part of a bedtime routine to encourage a feeling of calm.

How much apigenin supplement for sleep? 50mg is a great starting point to support your sleep.

2. Promotes Cardiovascular Health

Apigenin also supports cardiovascular health by promoting healthy blood pressure levels and supporting overall heart function.13 Its antioxidant properties help protect the cardiovascular system from oxidative stress, which can contribute to the deterioration of blood vessels over time.

In addition, apigenin has been studied for its role in promoting a healthy inflammatory response, which may benefit individuals looking to maintain a balanced approach to heart health. Together, these properties make apigenin a helpful compound for those seeking to support cardiovascular wellness through diet and lifestyle.

3. Neuroprotective Benefits

Apigenin may support brain health by promoting neuron survival and maintaining cognitive function. Its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier allows it to interact directly with brain cells, making it a compound of interest in brain-related research.7

Studies suggest that apigenin may help promote a healthy inflammatory response in the brain and protect against oxidative stress, which are key factors for maintaining long-term brain health.

These properties may contribute to memory support, focus, and overall cognitive performance, offering potential benefits for aging individuals and anyone looking to support brain function.

4. Supports Stress Management and Mood Balance

Another benefit of Apigenin is its potential role in promoting stress relief and contributing to a balanced mood.14 Research indicates that apigenin may influence GABA activity in the brain, which is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating stress responses and promoting calmness.12

Unlike some pharmaceutical options, apigenin is naturally derived and not associated with the risk of dependency. In other words, apigenin could help individuals manage occasional stress and promote a healthy emotional balance without causing sedation. This compound may be of interest to those exploring natural approaches to stress management.

5. Skin Health

When applied topically, apigenin may contribute to skin health. Research has shown that it can have soothing effects, which may help with visible redness associated with minor skin irritation and certain skin conditions.5

Apigenin is also believed to play a role in promoting healthy cell function, which may contribute to the skin’s natural repair and regeneration processes. This compound could be a beneficial addition to skincare routines aimed at maintaining healthy and resilient skin.

Support a Healthy Lifestyle With Apigenin Supplements

At Double Wood Supplements, we are dedicated to offering high-quality, research-backed supplements designed to support your health and wellness. Our Apigenin supplement has been carefully formulated to provide support in several key areas of well-being, like skin health, cognitive health, stress management, and sleep quality.

We believe that natural solutions can play a vital role in supporting a healthy lifestyle. Our commitment to quality ensures that each product we offer is backed by science and formulated with the best ingredients.

Visit Double Wood Supplements to learn more about our products and how they can support your wellness journey.

Citations:

[1] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6472148/

[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4863311/

[3] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5412341/
[4] https://www.ars.usda.gov/ARSUserFiles/80400525/Articles/AICR03_VegFlav.pdf

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9861958/

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11202028/

[7] https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9059/12/1/178

[8] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38206472/

[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15586239/

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7646940/

[11] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8017783/