Apigenin

non-nutrient/non-botanical

What is it

Apigenin is a plant flavone found in many fruits, vegetables, and herbs, particularly chamomile, parsley, celery, and oregano. It has been investigated for anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and CD38-inhibiting effects, with growing interest in its potential role in supporting healthy aging.

How it works

Apigenin is a flavone with a chemical structure that allows it to scavenge free radicals and chelate certain metals. Mechanistically, it has attracted interest for its inhibition of CD38, an enzyme that consumes NAD+ and whose activity increases with age. By inhibiting CD38, apigenin may help preserve cellular NAD+ levels, which decline with aging and influence sirtuin-mediated cellular maintenance. Apigenin also modulates several signaling pathways including NF-kB-driven inflammation and AMPK metabolic signaling. It has weak estrogen receptor binding and binds to benzodiazepine receptors, which underlies some of its calming and sleep-supporting effects associated with chamomile. Oral bioavailability of apigenin is poor; it is rapidly metabolized to glucuronide and sulfate conjugates with low free apigenin in blood. This poor bioavailability is a major limitation in translating preclinical findings to clinical effects. Newer formulations including phospholipid complexes and combinations with absorption enhancers are being explored.

Evidence for 5 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Calming and sleep support

Grade C

Moderate evidence

Chamomile (rich in apigenin) has traditional use for mild anxiety and sleep. Some clinical evidence supports chamomile extracts for generalized anxiety, partly attributed to apigenin's benzodiazepine-receptor binding.

CD38 inhibition and NAD+ preservation

Grade F

Limited evidence

Preclinical studies suggest apigenin inhibits CD38 and may preserve NAD+ levels. Whether this translates to clinical effects in humans is not established. Often combined with NMN in longevity protocols.

Anti-inflammatory effects

Grade F

Limited evidence

Extensive preclinical evidence for anti-inflammatory effects, but human clinical evidence is very limited.

Antioxidant effects

Grade F

Limited evidence

Mechanistic and preclinical antioxidant activity is well established. Human clinical translation is limited.

Anti-cancer effects

Grade F

Limited evidence

Substantial preclinical interest exists; apigenin shows effects on various cancer cell lines. Human clinical evidence for cancer prevention or treatment is absent. Should not be used as cancer therapy.

3 commercial forms

Apigenin (synthetic or extracted)

Standard form; bioavailability is poor.

Most common supplement form. Look for products specifying apigenin content.

Chamomile extract

Natural source containing apigenin and other flavonoids.

Traditional source for calming effects. Many forms (tea, extract, oil) available.

Apigenin phospholipid complex

Phospholipid-bound for improved absorption.

Higher cost; bioavailability advantages are emerging.

Dosage

There is no established RDA for apigenin. Supplement doses typically range from 50 to 500 mg per day. The most commonly used doses are 50 to 100 mg. Higher doses are sometimes used in 'longevity' protocols, often combined with NAD+ precursors like NMN.

When and how to take it

WHEN: Apigenin does not have established optimal timing. Some users take it in the evening for calming effects given chamomile's traditional sleep use. HOW: Take with food, especially fat-containing meals, to improve absorption given low bioavailability. Splitting doses is reasonable. Most clinical evidence is limited; longevity-focused use is speculative.

Food sources

Food	Amount	%DV
Parsley (fresh)	1/4 cup	—
Chamomile tea	1 cup	—
Celery	1 cup	—
Oregano	1 tbsp	—
Thyme	1 tbsp	—
Onions	1/2 cup	—
Oranges	1 medium	—

Safety

Apigenin appears generally well tolerated at typical supplement doses. Side effects are uncommon and mild. There is no established Tolerable Upper Intake Level. Long-term safety data in humans are limited. High doses theoretically may have hormonal effects given weak estrogen receptor binding.

Who should be cautious

Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid apigenin supplementation due to limited safety data and potential estrogen-like activity. People taking sedatives, blood thinners, or hormone-sensitive condition medications should consult a clinician. Those scheduled for surgery should discontinue 1 to 2 weeks beforehand.

Interactions

Apigenin may inhibit cytochrome P450 enzymes (especially CYP2C9 and CYP3A4) and could affect metabolism of medications processed through these pathways, including warfarin, statins, and various others. Its benzodiazepine-receptor binding may enhance effects of sedatives. Theoretically may interact with hormone medications due to weak estrogen activity.

Frequently asked questions

Is apigenin really an anti-aging compound?⌄

Preclinical research supports CD38 inhibition and NAD+ preservation as plausible mechanisms. Human evidence for longevity or healthspan benefits does not exist. Claims should be treated with skepticism.

Why is apigenin often combined with NMN?⌄

The pairing is based on theoretical synergy: apigenin may inhibit CD38 (which consumes NAD+), while NMN supplies NAD+ precursor. Whether the combination produces meaningful clinical effects is unproven.

Can I get apigenin from chamomile tea?⌄

Yes. Chamomile is one of the richest dietary sources of apigenin. Drinking chamomile tea regularly delivers apigenin in food matrix form, which may have its own advantages over isolated supplements.

Does apigenin help with anxiety?⌄

Chamomile extracts (rich in apigenin) have some clinical evidence for mild generalized anxiety. Apigenin's binding to benzodiazepine receptors may underlie these effects. Isolated apigenin's specific anxiolytic effects are less well studied.

Is apigenin safe to take daily?⌄

Short-term use appears well tolerated. Long-term safety in humans has limited data. People taking medications metabolized by CYP450 enzymes should check for interactions.

References

Wikidata: Apigenin — Wikidata link
PubChem: Apigenin (CID 5280443) — PubChem link

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Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you're pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.