Apigenin belongs to the flavonoid family and occurs naturally in plants such as parsley and camomile. It is also found in thyme, cherries, tea, olives and broccoli.
The molecule is one of a number of promising phytochemicals that are currently being intensively screened for their health-promoting effects. This also includes the Prof. David Sinclair much researched resveratrol. Studies have shown that apigenin can positively influence molecular processes in various ways. You can find out exactly how here.
The flavonoid family - potent molecules from nature
Flavonoids are a large group of molecules that belong to the secondary plant substances . In nature, they are responsible for UV protection, coloration and defense against pests.
In recent decades, science has increasingly been able to decipher the benefits of a plant- and protein-rich nutrition on our health. One of the main factors here are secondary plant substances, which also have numerous benefits for our bodies. Let's take a closer look now. What does apigenin do in the body and why are some clinical trials with this molecule currently underway?
Secondary plant compounds such as flavonoids are hidden in many well-known fruits and vegetables.
Apigenin and CD38
NAD metabolism is one of the most important in modern ageing research. In short, the co-enzyme NAD is involved in all kinds of metabolic processes, especially in energy production within the mitochondria. NAD levels decline in old age via various pathways - and so do energy levels.
One starting point for higher NAD levels is the enzyme CD38. This is not the 38th compact disk of our body, but the abbreviation stands for "cluster of differentiation". These surface features (CDs) are used by our cells as a recognition feature and at the same time they can enable biochemical reactions in our body.
CD38 is responsible for the degradation of NAD and this degradation seems to increase with age. One hypothesis of the researchers is that the activity of CD38 is increased by the silent inflammation, the "inflammaging", which becomes stronger with age. (R) Apigenin can help here, as it inhibits CD38 both directly and indirectly. In an experiment with mice given the molecule, their NAD levels were significantly higher than in the comparison 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. Higher NAD levels have been linked to 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.
In the studies, three possible starting points for increasing NAD levels have emerged. Firstly, supplementation of precursors. Secondly, activation of enzymes that produce NAD and thirdly, inhibition of degradation. All three approaches are combined in the innovatively formulated regeNAD (NAD Regenerating Complex) from MoleQlar. Before supplementation, however, you should measure the NAD level.
Apigenin in science
Apigenin has attracted the interest of researchers due to its diverse mode of action. Apigenin is currently being tested on humans in various clinical studies. Some of these are:
- Alzheimer's Research: In this study, participants take apigenin twice a day for 24 months
- Schlaflosigkeit (Insomnia): To improve sleep a dose of 2.5mg apigenin is tested
- Knee osteoarthritis: Taking apigenin three times a day could reduce the need for painkillers
- Anxiety disorder and depression: Both showed an effect. Apigenin in the form of chamomile extract was able to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
As we can see, apigenin has proven to be effective in various areas. But why is that? To find out, we need to delve a little deeper into the metabolic pathways that are affected by apigenin.
Sleep is a hugely important part of a healthy daily routine. In addition to classics such as 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 worthwhile. Then we will be able to better understand where apigenin can help - and where it can't.
IL-6 - Down with the inflammation levels
Apigenin has been shown in several studies to attenuate inflammation (anti-inflammatory). It does this via 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. Excessively high, chronic IL-6 levels can be one of the reasons for the "inflammaging" that occurs in old age. 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 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 effect on the enzyme COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). Inhibition of COX-2 leads to reduced production of inflammatory mediators. For this reason, specific drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have also been developed to inhibit cyclooxygenase.
Apigenin has a smaller effect in comparison and will therefore not be a substitute for these drugs. When taking such painkillers, you should always consult your trusted doctor.
In addition to glucosamine as a building block of cartilage, apigenin is also an exciting molecule as a support for osteoarthritis.
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 disease. It also supports the detoxification processes of harmful substances in the body.
In this study (R), for example, it was shown how apigenin can help the body with NAFLD. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common diseases in the Western world. Increased fat accumulation in the liver can lead to inflammatory processes that cause the liver to stiffen over a long period of time. Apigenin was able to bind Nrf2 in the liver cells and ensured less fatty degeneration and less oxidative stress.
Did you know Two other potent activators of the Nrf2 signaling pathway also originate from the plant kingdom. One is resveratrol , which is extracted from grapes and the other is
sulforaphane , which is abundant in broccoli
The latter must be absorbed from broccoli via an intermediate step. Sulforaphane is naturally present in the form of glucoraphanin. However, this molecule does not have the health-promoting effects. Sulforaphaneis only produced through the conversion of glucoraphanin by the enzyme myrosinase. With Sulforapro you get both molecules directly 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
Firstly, this study (R) demonstrated that apigenin intervenes directly in the metabolism of influenza viruses. Apigenin could therefore have antiviral properties that can shield us somewhat from influenza viruses.
In this review (R), various studies on the effect 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 can contribute to a healthier microbiome is currently the subject of further research.
Our microbiome is a breathtaking collection of billions of different bacteria. Apigenin seems to have a finger in the pie here too.
Apigenin and sleep
A chamomile tea in the evening is said to make it easier to sleep. But why is that?
The answer is most likely hidden in the molecule apigenin. This is contained in camomile and is said to have stress-reducing and relaxing properties.
Apigenin can enter our brain via the blood-brain barrier, where it acts on GABA receptors. These are inhibitory receptors, which means they dampen certain signals. This is probably the reason why apigenin in the form of chamomile extract could help with sleep or anxiety disorders and depression.
Ausblick
Apigenin is an exciting molecule that is said to have a lot of potential. Ingestion of the flavonoid does not appear to be toxic even in higher quantities and, due to its diversity, apigenin offers itself as an all-rounder for healthier ageing. The molecular pathways behind this are currently being researched and it will be interesting to see where else apigenin proves effective.
Trials are underway for the treatment of sugar disorders, as apigenin has shown a regulating effect on blood sugar . Furthermore, it appears to stabilize the thyroid in its hormone production. One major field is research into apigenin and its role as a neuroprotector in dementia. It will be interesting to see what further research reveals, as the initial data was promising.
