Apigenin: What Is It, Uses, Benefits

Apigenin: What Is It, Uses, Benefits

The benefits of chamomile tea are very well-known to the world. Lots of people drink chamomile tea before bed to relieve anxiety and for undisrupted sleep. The benefits you reap from chamomile are through a compound present in it called apigenin.

Owing to this compound’s spectacular health benefits, you can also easily find an apigenin supplement that allows you to use it in safe doses while taking advantage of its benefits to the fullest. Of course, it’s always better to consult your doctor first.

In this article, we’ll shed light on what apigenin is, its uses, and its benefits, so you can make yourself aware of this beneficial compound.

What Is Apigenin?

Apigenin is a flavonoid that occurs naturally in plant tissues to protect plants against harmful UV radiation and pathogens. In addition, these flavonoids also regulate plant metabolism and attract pollinators like butterflies and bees.

Back in the day, it was used to treat inflammation and anxiety, which is still the case. Apigenin can be found in plenty of herbs, veggies, and fruits. Here are foods that are high in apigenin:

• Chamomile tea
• Grapefruit
• Oranges
• Celery
• Parsley
• Onions
• Cilantro
• Oregano

Uses and Benefits of Apigenin

1. Promotes Healthy Aging

Apigenin boasts antioxidant properties along with anti-inflammatory properties. This flavonoid can help enhance skin health and promote healthy aging by reducing the inflammatory process.

Topical apigenin can be used to boost skin cell growth and combat acne.

2. Reduces Risk of Cancer

Although therapies like chemotherapy and radiation are most effective against cancer, apigenin also has anti-cancer properties. This flavonoid can be used to stop cancer cells from multiplying and boosting the immune system to facilitate fighting cancer cells.

3. Numbs Pain

Since apigenin has anti-inflammatory effects, it can decrease pain related to inflammatory issues such as infections, digestive problems, and migraine pain.

Moreover, it can also be used to soothe joint pain, say, by using topical oil containing apigenin.

4. Has Anti-Microbial Properties

With anti-microbial effects, this flavonoid can help antibiotics work more effectively. Since some germs, such as bacteria, may not be killed by today’s antibiotics, apigenin may help diminish their resistance.

It can inhibit various viruses, including African swine fever, herpes, influenza, and Hepatitis C.

5. Boosts Brain Function

Apigenin also has cognition-enhancing properties due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. It can suppress inflammatory mediators in humans.

Moreover, it may have the ability to improve memory in humans. However, more research is required.

6. Reduces Anxiety

With anxiety and stress, your stress hormones, called cortisol, increase. Apigenin helps reduce cortisol levels in your body, which eases anxiety and stress in humans.

It may also bind to the receptors of the brain to help you relax and have a good quality of sleep. This way, it may also play a mood-enhancing role.

7. Reduces Diabetes Risk

Apigenin may improve insulin resistance, which can be pretty beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. However, studies have only been conducted on animals, and further research is needed.

8. Protects Kidneys

Healthy kidneys can prevent medications from building up and causing you any harm. If you’re on many medications, apigenin can significantly help protect your kidneys from oxidative damage and inflammation due to its antioxidant effects. 

Guest Article.