Flavones

PhytochemicalFlavonoidBest with a meal

What is it

Flavones are a subclass of flavonoids with a 2-phenylchromen-4-one backbone. Major members include apigenin, luteolin, baicalein, and chrysin. They are concentrated in parsley, celery, chamomile, and Scutellaria root.

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Anxiety / sleep (apigenin from chamomile)

Good Evidence

Chamomile extract RCTs show modest anxiolytic effects.

Anti-inflammatory

Limited Evidence

Preclinical and small clinical evidence; clinically modest.

How it works

Flavones interact with GABA-A receptors (apigenin, chrysin), inhibit lipoxygenase and COX-2 pathways (luteolin), and act as antioxidants. They are absorbed mainly as aglycones after gut microbial deglycosylation. Several flavones inhibit aromatase and CYP enzymes at high doses, which underlies both proposed benefits and drug-interaction concerns.

Dosage

Apigenin: 25-100 mg/day. Luteolin: 100-200 mg/day. Chrysin: 500-1000 mg/day (poor absorption). Total flavone blends vary.

When and how to take it

Take with meals. Sedating flavones (apigenin) in the evening.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Standardized chamomile or parsley extracts

Most-studied real-world source.

Provide apigenin in matrix.

Pure apigenin or luteolin

Used in specialty supplements.

Low oral absorption; conjugated rapidly.

Safety

Well tolerated at typical doses. Sedation possible with high-dose apigenin or chrysin. Allergic reactions to Asteraceae plants (chamomile, parsley) in sensitive individuals.

Who should be cautious

Asteraceae allergy. Concurrent sedatives. Pregnancy at high doses lacks data.

Interactions

May potentiate sedatives. High-dose flavones may inhibit some CYP enzymes.

Food sources

Parsley (1 tbsp dried)

Amount
very high apigenin
%DV
—

Celery (1 cup)

Amount
moderate apigenin and luteolin
%DV
—

Chamomile tea (1 cup)

Amount
small but bioactive apigenin
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Are flavones the same as flavanones?⌄

No. Flavones have a double bond between C2 and C3 in the flavonoid backbone; flavanones do not. Different bioactivities.

Should I supplement flavones?⌄

Specific clinical uses (chamomile for sleep/anxiety) are reasonable. Stand-alone purified flavones are mostly research-stage.

References

Flavones on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Flavones (ChEBI:24043) — ChEBI link

Flavones on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Flavones (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Flavones with Pilora

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

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.