Apigenin belongs to the family of flavonoids and occurs naturally in plants such as parsley and the chamomile. It is also found in thyme, cherries, tea, olives and broccoli.
The molecule is one of a number of promising secondary plant substances that are currently being intensively screened for their health-promoting effects. This also includes that of Prof. David Sinclair much researched Resveratrol. The studies have shown that apigenin can positively influence molecular processes in various ways. You can find out exactly how 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, coloring and repelling pests.
In recent decades, science has increasingly been able to decipher the benefits of a diet rich in plants and proteins on our health. One of the main factors are the secondary plant substances, which also have numerous benefits for our body. We now want to take a closer look. What does apigenin do in the body and why are some clinical studies currently underway with this molecule?
Secondary plant substances such as flavonoids are hidden in many well-known types of fruit and vegetables.
Apigenin and CD38
The NAD metabolism is one of the most important in modern aging research. In short, the co-enzyme NAD is involved in all sorts of metabolic processes, especially in the production of energy within the mitochondria. With age, NAD levels decrease in various ways - and with them the energy level.
One starting point 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 an identification feature and at the same time they can enable biochemical reactions in our body.
CD38 ensures the breakdown of NAD and this breakdown seems to increase with age. One hypothesis of the researchers is that the silent inflammation that increases with age, “inflammaging”, increases the activity of CD38. (R) Apigenin can help here because 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 comparison group. At the same time, Sirt3, a representative of the longevity genes, was activated by apigenin. (R)
Did you know? NAD metabolism is complex and not always easy to understand. However, 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.
The studies have shown three possible starting points for increasing the NAD level . First, supplementation of precursors. Secondly, an activation of enzymes that produce NAD and thirdly, an inhibition of degradation. All three approaches are combined in the innovatively formulated regeNAD (NAD Regenerating Complex) from MoleQlar. Before supplementation, you should measure the NAD level.
Apigenin in science
Apigenin was able to arouse the interest of researchers due to its diverse mode of action. Apigenin is currently being tested in various clinical trials on humans. Some of them are:
- Alzheimer's Research: In this study, participants take apigenin twice daily for 24 months
- Insomnia (Insomnia): To improve sleep a dose of 2.5 mg apigenin is being tested
- Knee osteoarthritis: Taking apigenin three times a day could reduce the need for painkillers
- Anxiety disorder and depression: There was an effect on both. Apigenin in the form of chamomile extract was able to reduce anxiety and depression symptoms.
We see that apigenin has proven to be effective in various areas. But why is this so? To find out, we have to delve a little deeper into the metabolic pathways that are influenced by apigenin.
Sleep is an extremely 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 shortcuts to metabolic pathways may seem complicated at first glance, but the deeper insight into biochemistry is worth it. We will then be able to better understand where apigenin can help – and where it cannot.
IL-6 – Down with the inflammation levels
Apigenin was able to attenuate inflammation in several studies (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 that our immune cells use to communicate with each other. Too high, chronic IL-6 levels can be one of the reasons for the “inflammatory” that occurs in old age. Another approach for 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 reaction.
COX-2 – Pain Relief
In one study, apigenin was able to reduce the need for painkillers in knee osteoarthritis. This effect is best explained by its effect on the enzyme COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2). Inhibition of COX-2 leads to lower production of inflammatory mediators. For this reason, specific drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been developed to inhibit cyclooxygenase.
Apigenin has a smaller effect in comparison and will therefore not be a replacement 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 that supports osteoarthritis.
Nrf2 – activation of protective factors
Nrf2 (English for: Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is an important transcription factor that controls 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. In addition, it supports the detoxification processes of harmful substances in the body.
This study (R), for example, showed 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 lead to liver stiffness over a long period of time. Apigenin was able to bind Nrf2 in the liver cells and ensured less fatty deposits and less oxidative stress.
Did you know? Two other potent activators of the Nrf2 signaling pathway also come from the Plant kingdom. Firstly, the Resveratrol obtained from grapes and secondly, the one found in abundance in broccoli Sulforaphane.
The latter must be absorbed from the broccoli via an intermediate step. Sulforaphane is naturally present in the form of glucoraphanin. However, this molecule does not have the health-promoting effects. Sulforaphane is only created through the conversion of glucoraphanin by the enzyme myrosinase. With Sulforapro you 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 the one hand, it was demonstrated in this study (R) that apigenin directly intervenes in the metabolism of influenza viruses. Apigenin could therefore have antiviral properties that can protect us from flu viruses.
In this review (R), various studies on the effect of apigenin on our microbiome were summarized . The researchers were able to detect anti-parasitic, anti-fugal 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 also seems to have a hand in this.
Apigenin and sleep
A chamomile tea in the evening is said to make sleeping easier. But why is that??
The answer is most likely hidden in the molecule apigenin. This is contained in chamomile and is said to have stress-reducing and relaxing properties.
Apigenin can enter our brain across the blood-brain barrier and acts on GABA receptors. These are inhibitory receptors, which means they dampen certain signals. This is probably why apigenin in the form of chamomile extract was able to help with sleep or anxiety disorders and depression.
Outlook
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 larger quantities, and due to its diversity, apigenin is an all-rounder for healthier aging. The molecular pathways behind this are currently being researched and we can remain curious to see where apigenin still proves to be effective.
Investigations are underway into the treatment of diabetes, as apigenin has been shown to have a regulating effect on blood sugar has. Furthermore, it appears to stabilize the thyroid in its hormone production. A large field is the study of apigenin and its role as neuroprotector in dementia. We can remain curious to see what further research will find out, as the initial data was promising.
