Apigenin belongs to the family of flavonoids and occurs naturally in plants such as parsley and chamomile. It can also be found in thyme, cherries, tea, olives, and broccoli.
The molecule is part of a series of promising secondary plant compounds that are currently being intensively screened for their health-promoting effects. This also includes the well-researched Prof. David Sinclair resveratrol. Studies have shown that apigenin can positively influence molecular processes in various ways. You can find out how exactly here.
The family of flavonoids – potent molecules from nature
Flavonoids are a large group of molecules that are classified as secondary plant substances . In nature, they are responsible for UV protection, coloration, and pest defense.
In recent decades, science has increasingly deciphered the benefits of a plant- and protein-rich diet for our health. One of the main factors in this is the secondary plant substances, which also bring numerous benefits to our body. We now want to take a closer look.What does apigenin do in the body and why are there currently some clinical studies with this molecule?
Secondary plant substances such as flavonoids are hidden in many well-known fruit and vegetable species.
Apigenin and CD38
The NAD metabolism is one of the most significant in modern aging research. In short, the coenzyme NAD is involved in a variety of metabolic processes, especially in energy production within the mitochondria. With age, NAD levels decrease through various pathways – and thus also the energy level.
A point of approach for higher NAD levels is the enzyme CD38. This is not the 38th compact disc of our body, but the abbreviation stands for "cluster of differentiation." These surface features (CDs) are used by our cells as recognition markers and at the same time, they can enable biochemical reactions in our body.
CD38 is responsible for the breakdown of NAD and this breakdown seems to increase with age. A hypothesis of the researchers is that due to the increasing silent inflammation in old age, "inflammaging," the activity of CD38 is ramped up. (R) Apigenin can help here, as it inhibits CD38 both directly and indirectly. In an experiment with mice that were given the molecule, their NAD levels were significantly higher than in the control group. At the same time, Sirt3, a representative of the longevity genes, was activated by apigenin.(R)
Did you know? The NAD metabolism is complex and not always easy to understand. However, higher NAD levels have been associated with better health in several studies. More energy for your mitochondria, whether in muscle or nerve cells, more powerful heart cells, and a boost for the liver.
The studies have shown three possible approaches to increase NAD levels . First, supplementation of precursors. Second, activation of enzymes that produce NAD, and third, inhibition of degradation. All three approaches are combined in the innovatively formulated regeNAD (NAD Regenerating Complex) by MoleQlar.Before supplementation, one should measure the NAD levels.
Apigenin in Science
Apigenin has attracted the interest of researchers due to its diverse effects. Currently, Apigenin is being tested in various clinical studies on humans.Some of them are:
- Alzheimer Research: In this study, participants take Apigenin twice daily for 24 months
- Insomnia (Insomnia): To improve sleep , a dose of 2.5mg of Apigenin is being tested
- Knee osteoarthritis: Three times daily intake of Apigenin was able to reduce the need for painkillers
- Anxiety disorder and depression: Both showed an effect. Apigenin could reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in the form of chamomile extract.
We see, Apigenin has proven effective in various areas. But why is that? To find out, we need to delve a little deeper into the metabolic pathways influenced by Apigenin.
Sleep is an extremely important part of a healthy daily routine. In addition to classics like magnesium, apigenin is also promising for improving sleep quality.
IL-6, COX-2, and Nrf2 – abbreviations that provide a deeper insight
Don't worry, all these abbreviations for metabolic pathways may seem complicated at first glance, but the deeper insight into biochemistry is worth it. After that, we will better understand where apigenin can help – and where it cannot.
IL-6 – Lowering inflammation levels
Apigenin has been shown in several studies to reduce inflammation (anti-inflammatory).It does this through various signaling pathways, one of the most effective being the inhibition of Interleukin-6 . IL-6 is a messenger substance that our immune cells use to communicate with each other. Chronically high IL-6 levels can be one of the reasons for the age-related “inflammaging”. Another target of Apigenin is the downregulation or attenuation of NF-κB (nuclear factor ‘kappa-light-chain-enhancer’ of activated B-cells). NF-κB is also involved in the immune response.
By the way: Our body's own hormone Cortisol can bind to NF-κB and thus prevent an excessive immune response.
COX-2 – Pain Relief
In a study, apigenin was able to reduce the need for painkillers in knee osteoarthritis. This effect is most likely explained by its action on the enzyme COX-2 (Cyclooxygenase-2). The inhibition of COX-2 leads to a lower production of inflammatory mediators. For this reason, specific medications from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have also been developed for the inhibition of cyclooxygenase.
However, apigenin has a lower effect in comparison and will therefore not serve as a substitute for these medications. When taking such painkillers, please always consult with your trusted doctor or physician.
In addition to glucosamine as a building block of cartilage, apigenin as support for osteoarthritis is an exciting molecule.
Nrf2 – Activation of protective factors
Nrf2 (English for: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is an important transcription factor that regulates the genes for detoxification and combating oxidative stress. Apigenin activates this pathway.
The Nrf2 activation pathway is being intensively researched and offers significant health benefits. It protects cells from oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals and can lead to cell damage and diseases. Additionally, it supports the detoxification processes of harmful substances present in the body.
In this study (R), for example, it was shown how apigenin can help the body with NAFLD. The non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFLD) is one of the most common diseases in the Western world. Due to increased fat accumulation in the liver, inflammatory processes can occur, which over a long time can lead to stiffening of the liver. Apigenin was able to bind to Nrf2 in liver cells and resulted in a lower fat accumulation and less oxidative stress.
Did you know? Two other potent activators of the Nrf2 signaling pathway also come from the plant kingdom. Once the Resveratrol obtained from the grape and on the other hand the Sulforaphane abundantly present in broccoli. Sulforaphane.
The latter must be absorbed through an intermediate step from broccoli. Naturally, Sulforaphane is present in the form of Glucoraphanin. However, this molecule does not have the health-promoting effects. Only through the conversion of Glucoraphanin by the enzyme Myrosinase does Sulforaphane form. With Sulforapro you directly contain both molecules in one capsule! This increases the bioavailability of Sulforaphane.
Apigenin as support for the immune system
In addition to its anti-inflammatory effect, Apigenin can also support the immune system. It does this in several ways.
On one hand, this study (R) demonstrated that Apigenin directly interferes with the metabolism of influenza viruses. Thus, Apigenin could have antiviral properties that may shield us somewhat from flu viruses.
In this review (R), various studies on the effects of Apigenin on our microbiome were summarized. The researchers were able to identify anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, and anti-bacterial properties of Apigenin. The extent to which Apigenin capsules can contribute to a healthier microbiome is currently still the subject of further research.
Our microbiome is an astonishing collection of billions of different bacteria. Apigenin seems to have a role here as well.
Apigenin and Sleep
A chamomile tea in the evening is said to facilitate sleep. But why is that?
The answer is most likely hidden in the molecule Apigenin. This is found in chamomile and is attributed with stress-reducing and relaxing properties.
Apigenin can cross the blood-brain barrier and act on GABA receptors. These are inhibitory receptors, meaning they dampen certain signals. This is likely the reason why apigenin in the form of chamomile extract has been able to help with sleep or anxiety disorders and depression.
Outlook
Apigenin is an exciting molecule that is attributed with a lot of potential. The intake of the flavonoid does not seem to be toxic even in higher amounts, and due to its versatility, apigenin is suitable as an all-rounder for healthier aging.The molecular pathways behind it are currently being researched, and we can be curious to see where Apigenin proves to be effective and what role Apigenin capsules will play in the world of Longevity.
Investigations are underway for the treatment of diabetes, as Apigenin has shown a regulating effect on blood sugar . Furthermore, it seems to stabilize the thyroid in its hormone production. A major area of research is Apigenin and its role as a neuroprotector in dementia diseases. Here, we can remain curious about what further research will uncover, as the initial data was promising.
