apigenin belongs to the family of flavonoids and occurs naturally in plants such as parsley and 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 includes Prof. David Sinclair much researched resveratrolThe studies showed 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 demonstrate the benefits of a plant- and protein-rich diet. Nutrition on our healthOne of the main factors here are the secondary plant substances, which also bring numerous benefits to our body. Let's take a closer look. What does apigenin do in the body and why are there currently some clinical trials underway with this molecule?
Secondary plant substances 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 aging research. In short, the co-enzyme NAD involved in all kinds of metabolic processes, especially in the production of energy within the mitochondria. As we age, NAD levels decrease in various ways – and with them our energy levels.
One starting point for higher NAD levels is the enzyme CD38. This is not the 38th compact disc in our body, but the abbreviation stands for “cluster of differentiation”. These surface features (CDs) are used by our cells as recognition features and at the same time they can enable biochemical reactions in our body.
CD38 causes the breakdown of NAD and this breakdown seems to become more severe with age. One hypothesis of the researchers is that the silent inflammation that increases with age, known as “inflammaging,” increases the activity of CD38. (R) Apigenin can help here because it inhibits CD38 both directly and indirectly. In a test 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? NAD metabolism is complex and not always easy to understand. However, higher NAD levels have been linked to better health in several studiesMore 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 increasing NAD levels Firstly, a supplementation of precursors. Secondly, an activation of enzymes that produce NAD and thirdly, an inhibition of the degradation. All three approaches are combined in the innovatively formulated regeNAD (NAD Regenerating Complex) of MoleQlar. Before supplementing, however, you should measuring NAD levels.
Apigenin in Science
Apigenin has attracted the interest of researchers due to its diverse mode of action. Apigenin is currently being tested in various clinical trials on humans. Some of these are:
- Alzheimer Research: In this study, participants take Apigenin twice daily for 24 months
- insomnia (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.
We see that apigenin has been shown to be effective in a variety of areas. But why is that? To find out, we need 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 also shows promise 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 the biochemistry is worth it. After that, we will be able to better understand where apigenin can help - and where it cannot.
IL-6 – Down with the inflammation levels
Apigenin has been shown to be effective in several studies inflammations weaken (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“ Another target of apigenin is the down-regulation 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 mediatorsFor this reason, specific drugs from the group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been developed to inhibit cyclooxygenase.
Apigenin has a lower effect in comparison and will therefore not replace these drugsWhen taking such painkillers, please always consult your doctor.
In addition to glucosamine as a building block of cartilage, apigenin is also an exciting molecule as it 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 diseases. In addition, it 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, which over a long period of time lead to stiffening of the liver. Apigenin was found in the liver cells Nrf2 binding and provided a less fat 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 one obtained from grapes resveratrol and secondly the abundant sulforaphane.
The latter must be absorbed from the broccoli via an intermediate step. Sulforaphane occurs naturally in the form of glucoraphanin. However, this molecule does not have the health-promoting effects. Sulforaphane is only formed through the conversion of glucoraphanin by the enzyme myrosinase. With Sulforapro you get both molecules in one capsule! This increases the bioavailability of sulforaphane.
Apigenin as support for the immune system
In addition to his anti-inflammatory Effect, apigenin can also immune system support. It does this in several ways.
Firstly, this study (R) it has been demonstrated that apigenin directly interferes with the metabolism of influenza viruses.Thus, apigenin could have antiviral properties that can provide some protection against flu viruses.
In this review (R) various studies have been carried out on the effect of apigenin on our microbiome The researchers were able to determine 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 hand in this too.
Apigenin and Sleep
Drinking 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 chamomile and is said to stress-reducing and relaxing properties attributed to it.
Apigenin can enter our brain via the blood-brain barrier and acts on GABA receptors. These are inhibitory receptors, that is, they dampen certain signals. This is probably the reason why apigenin in the form of chamomile extract was able to help with sleep disorders, anxiety disorders and depression.
outlook
Apigenin is an exciting molecule that is said to have a lot of potential. The intake of the flavonoid does not seem to be toxic even in higher quantities and due to its diversity, apigenin is an all-rounder for healthier agingThe molecular pathways behind this are currently being researched and we can only wait and see where else apigenin will prove to be effective.
Investigations are underway into the treatment of diabetes, since apigenin has a regulatory effect on the blood sugar Furthermore, it seems that the thyroid in their hormone production. A large field is the research of apigenin and its role as neuroprotector in dementia. We can wait and see what further research will discover, as the first data has been very promising.
