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.^[6]

Some of the more abundant sources of apigenin include chamomile tea (840 mg/100 grams)^[7], kumquats (21.87 mg/100 g), artichokes (7.48 mg/100 g), rutabagas (3.85 mg/100 g), sorghum (2.54 mg/100 g), and some herbs and spices such as parsley (215 mg/100 g.^[8][9] Apigenin is found in higher concentrations relative to other foods and herbs not listed above in celery (2.85 mg/100 g), green chili peppers (1.40 mg/100 g), red onions (0.24 mg/100 g, marjoram (3.5 mg/100 g), thyme (2.50mg/100 g), yarrow (1.21 mg/g), foxglove, coneflower, flax (35 mg/100 g), passion flower, horehound, peppermint (5.39 mg/100 g), and oregano (2.57 mg/100 g).^[10][11][12] It is also found in plant-based beverages, such as red wine (0.13 mg/100 g) ^[13] and beer.^[14].^[15]

Though there are few human clinical trials specific to the effects of apigenin as a single compound, due at least in part to its instability when isolated, preclinical studies have suggested that apigenin may improve outcomes in multiple health states, including anxiety,^[16] brain function,^{[17][16][18][19]} oxidative stress,^[20][21][22] inflammation,^{[23][24][25][26][27][28][29]} and hormonal regulation (testosterone,^[30] estrogen,^[31] and cortisol^[32][33]).

There is little evidence to suggest that apigenin causes adverse effects when consumed as part of a normal diet.^[8] No toxicity has been reported as a result of standard dietary apigenin intake.^[34][35] It should be noted, however, that when dosages exceed typical intake to an extreme (30–100 mg/kg of bodyweight), sedation has been reported as a side effect.^[16]

Animal studies suggest that apigenin may impede genetic mutations occurring in cells that are exposed to toxins and bacteria.^[36][37] Apigenin may also play direct roles in the removal of free radicals, inhibition of tumor growth enzymes, and induction of detoxification enzymes such as glutathione.^{[38][39][40][41]} Apigenin’s anti-inflammatory ability may also explain its effects on mental health, brain function, and immunological response,^{[42][41][18][43]} though some large observational studies don’t support this conclusion with respect to metabolic conditions.^[44]