Apigenin as a Potential Anti-Aging and Anti-Disease Molecule

I’m currently experimenting with the increasing my apigenin intake from both food sources (parsley, chamomile) and supplements. I’m not sure what the ideal dosage is (probably somewhere between 300mg and a gram), but the potential benefits are intriguing.

Apigenin may protect against Covid-19 infection and pathology

Apigenin triggers cell death in many types of cancer cells

Apigenin protects against Alzheimer’s disease

Apigenin ameliorates insulin resistance in mice

Apigenin prevents age-related muscle loss in mice

Apigenin effective against depression, anxiety, and insomnia

Apigenin promotes fat loss in mice

Apigenin reduces high blood pressure and protects the heart

Apigenin inhibits CD38 and increases NAD+

So, kind of a miracle molecule, right? If even half of the animal research translates to human beings, apigenin can play a significant role in preventing cancer, heart disease, dementia, diabetes, depression, and many negative effects of aging. As far as I can tell, if something can go wrong with the human body, apigenin, in most cases, can help prevent it or fix it.

As this study points out, it’s difficult but not impossible to obtain the amount of apigenin from food that corresponds to the amounts used in the studies referenced above. Basically one would need to eat enormous amounts (multiple cups per day) of parsley. This comes with its own minor risks; parsley is high in oxalic acid, which is to some extent an anti-nutrient (reducing calcium and iron absorption) and potentially increases the risk of gout and kidney stones (similar to the risks for consuming mega-doses of vitamin C, which converts to oxalic acid). Celery and chamomile are the next best food sources.

Are there risks? Very high doses of apigenin caused liver damage in Swiss mice, but lower doses were non-toxic. To achieve these high doses, the mice were injected with pure apigenin. Generally apigenin is considered non-toxic and safe in mammalian systems, especially when consumed orally.

Though not mentioned in any of the research, I’ve noticed a nootropic effect from taking supplemental apigenin. I would describe it as a non-sleepy hypercalm, an increased ability to patiently focus on cognitive tasks. I think apigenin may reduce my impulsiveness, which is great for my chess game (I recently broke the 1200 barrier on lichess — still in the lowest quintile sitewide in 10min rapid, but a personal best). I found at least one redditor who had experienced something similar from chamomile tea.

Higher doses may induce sedation/sleepiness, though I’ve yet to experience this personally.

But don’t listen to me — I’m not a doctor. Dr. Brad Stanfield is a more reliable source — here’s what he has to say: