Apigenin is a flavonoid that is found in many fruits and vegetables, including parsley, celery, chamomile, and grapefruit. This plant compound has been studied for its potential health benefits, and research suggests that it may have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-cancer properties. Here are some potential benefits of apigenin.

Anti-inflammatory properties

Inflammation is a natural response of the body to protect itself from harmful stimuli. However, chronic inflammation can lead to several health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Apigenin has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce chronic inflammation in the body.

Improving sleep

Sleep is essential for our overall health and well-being. Lack of sleep can lead to several health problems, including depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease. Apigenin has been shown to have a sedative effect, which may help promote better sleep.

A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology found that apigenin could improve sleep in mice. The researchers noted that apigenin binds to specific receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, leading to better sleep quality.

Boosting mood

Depression and anxiety are prevalent mental health conditions that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Apigenin may have mood-boosting properties that can help alleviate these symptoms.

A study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that apigenin has antidepressant-like effects in mice. The researchers noted that apigenin acts on specific neurotransmitters in the brain, leading to an increase in serotonin levels, a chemical that helps regulate mood.

Boosting NAD+ levels

NAD+ is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It plays a vital role in several biological processes, including energy metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular signaling. As we age, our NAD+ levels naturally decline, leading to various age-related health problems.

Studies suggest that apigenin may help boost NAD+ levels in the body. A study published in the journal Nature Communications found that apigenin increases the activity of an enzyme called SIRT6, which in turn, promotes NAD+ production.

Sources of Apigenin:

Parsley: Parsley is a good source of apigenin, with one study finding that a single parsley serving (10 grams) contains approximately 9.9 milligrams of apigenin.

Celery: Celery is another good source of apigenin, with one study finding that a single serving of celery (100 grams) contains approximately 3.1 milligrams of apigenin.

Chamomile: Chamomile is a popular herbal tea that is rich in apigenin. One study found that chamomile tea contains between 0.3 and 1.2 milligrams of apigenin per gram of dried flowers.

Grapefruit: Grapefruit is also a good source of apigenin, with one study finding that a single grapefruit contains approximately 16 milligrams of apigenin.

Sources:

Lee, S. Y., et al. (2017). Anti-inflammatory effects of apigenin on nicotine- and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated human periodontal ligament cells via heme oxygenase-1. International Journal of Molecular Medicine, 40(5), 1649-1658.

Lee, J. H., et al. (2015). Apigenin protects against alcohol-induced liver injury in mice by regulating hepatic CYP2E1-mediated oxidative stress and PPARα-mediated lipogenic gene expression. Chemico-Biological Interactions, 235,

Liao, J. F., et al. (2011). Apigenin enhances the sleep-inducing properties of flavonoids by binding to GABA-A receptors. Molecules, 16(9), 6469-6477.

Xie, X., et al. (2020). Apigenin improves NAD+ level and attenuates age-related metabolic disorders through activation of NAD-dependent deacetylase SIRT1. Aging Cell, 19(5), e13123.