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Apigenin

One of the bioflavonoids, apigenin appears to be catered towards reducing anxiety and causing sedation. Found in chamomile tea, alcoholic beverages, and Bacopa Monnieri, apigenin is unstable by itself yet stable when consumed via foods and herbs.

Our evidence-based analysis on apigenin features 44 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by and reviewed by the Examine team.
Last Updated:

Summary of Apigenin

Primary information, health benefits, side effects, usage, and other important details

Apigenin is a bioflavonoid compound (specifically a flavone) which is found in a wide variety of plants and herbs. It is very abundant in chamomile tea, and exerts anxiety-reducing effects when consumed in these high doses. At even higher doses, it may be sedative.

Apigenin is also a very potent anti-cancer compound. It beneficially protects against a wide variety of cancers with high selectivity for cancer cells as opposed to non-cancerous cells. It also has a very high safety threshold, and active (anti-cancer) doses can be gained through consuming a vegetable and fruit rich diet.

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How to Take

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

For general health and well-being, doses found in multiple servings of fruits and vegetables is adequate.

For anxiolytic effects, doses in the range of 2.4-8.1 mg/kg bodyweight may be effective without sedation, and higher doses may induce sedation in addition to reductions in anxiety. This dose is derived from a study in mice and is post-conversion.

Things to Note

Is a Form Of

Primary Function:

Other Functions:

Also Known As

4′, 5, 7, -trihydroxyflavone, biapigenin (a dimer found in nature)

Do Not Confuse With

Genistein

  • Apigenin is water-soluble, and chamomile tea is a great non-alcoholic source (as red wine and beer are good alcoholic sources)

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Research Breakdown on Apigenin

1Sources and Composition

1.1Sources and Structure

1.2Physicochemical Properties

1.3Formulations and Variants

2Pharmacology

2.1Distribution

3Neurology

3.1GABAergic Neurotransmission

3.2Neurooxidation

4Interactions with Glucose Metabolism

4.1Type II Diabetes

5Inflammation and Immunology

5.1Macrophages

6Interactions with Hormones

6.1Testosterone

6.2Estrogen

6.3Cortisol

7Interaction with Cancer Metabolism

7.1Angiogenesis

7.2Mechanisms

8Safety and Toxicity

8.1General
Click here to see all 44 references.

This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 44 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for Apigenin.

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