Apigenin is a natural plant flavonoid found in foods such as parsley, celery, and chamomile. It is also available as a dietary supplement.

What are the potential benefits of apigenin?

Apigenin is studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and for supporting relaxation and sleep. Experimental research also explores anticancer activity, but human clinical evidence is limited.

How much apigenin should I take?

Common supplemental amounts are about 50–100 mg per day. Individual needs vary, so consider starting low and consult a clinician if you have medical conditions.

Does apigenin help with anxiety or sleep?

Apigenin may promote relaxation through effects on GABA-related pathways, and chamomile extracts containing apigenin have been studied for mild anxiety and sleep support. Results can vary between individuals.

Is apigenin safe and are there interactions?

Apigenin from foods is generally well tolerated, while supplement safety depends on dose and individual factors. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult a healthcare professional due to potential interactions.

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Apigenin

Limited research available·3/10

A higher score indicates better study conditions, but not necessarily effectiveness.

Apigenin is a natural plant flavonoid studied for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, calming, and anticancer properties.

Longevity Sleep Improvement Anti-inflammatory Cancer-inhibitor Stress Relief Antioxidant Anxiety Relief

dose range

50–100 mg

Taken once daily, preferably in the evening.

Consumption

Take with a small meal or as directed by a healthcare professional. Consuming with food may aid absorption.

Not fat-soluble.

Best time

Often taken in the evening or before sleep to leverage calming effects.

Description

Apigenin is a flavonoid found in foods like parsley, celery, and chamomile. It is available as a supplement, most commonly used to reduce inflammation, relieve mild anxiety, and promote relaxation or sleep.

benefits

Main effects with level of evidence

Limited

Note on evidence

Preclinical and early human studies suggest potential for inflammation and anxiety support, but robust clinical evidence is limited.

May reduce inflammation

Limited

Preclinical studies and limited human evidence suggest apigenin can reduce biomarkers of inflammation, possibly aiding inflammatory conditions.

Particularly relevant for: Adults seeking anti-inflammatory support

S2 · PubMed – Anti-inflammatory activity of apigenin S8 · International Journal of Molecular Sciences – Apigenin and inflammation

May relieve mild anxiety and aid sleep

Limited

Evidence from clinical trials in chamomile extract and animal studies indicates apigenin may reduce mild anxiety and promote relaxation or sleep, likely via GABAergic pathways.

Particularly relevant for: Adults with mild anxiety or sleep disturbances

S3 · PubMed – Apigenin for anxiety: Chamomile extract clinical trial S5 · Examine.com – Apigenin

Experimental anticancer activity

Theoretical

Laboratory and animal studies show apigenin may inhibit the growth and spread of various cancer cells, mainly by inducing apoptosis and modulating cell signaling; human clinical data is lacking.

Particularly relevant for: Individuals interested in cancer prevention (experimental)

S4 · Cancer Letters – Anticancer mechanisms of apigenin S5 · Examine.com – Apigenin

Antioxidant support

Limited

Acts as an antioxidant, scavenging free radicals and supporting cellular health; primary evidence is from preclinical studies.

Particularly relevant for: Adults seeking antioxidant support

S1 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Flavonoids Fact Sheet S6 · Molecules – Bioavailability and food sources of apigenin

Safety & Information

Important safety information & known risks

For educational purposes only • not medical advice

Generally well-tolerated at typical doses, but caution is advised in sensitive groups and when combined with certain medications.

warning notices

Adverse effects are rare but can include allergic reactions and increased drowsiness if combined with sedatives.
Long-term safety has not been established, especially at high doses.
Avoid use during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data.
Consult a healthcare provider before use if taking sedatives, anticoagulants, or antiplatelet drugs due to potential interactions.
Avoid if allergic to chamomile or related plants (Asteraceae/Compositae family).

Known interactions with medications

sedatives
anticoagulants
antiplatelet drugs

Contraindications / special precautions

Pregnancy
Breastfeeding
Allergy to chamomile or related plants

interactions

Important interactions between active ingredient ↔ supplement / medication / food

Apigenin may interact with certain medications due to effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes and the central nervous system.

May enhance effects of sedative drugs.

drug · sedative medications

CautionLimited

Why

Apigenin can enhance GABAergic signaling, potentially increasing the sedative effects of CNS depressants such as benzodiazepines or barbiturates.

recommendation

Consult a healthcare provider before combining with sedatives; monitor for excess drowsiness.

S5 · Examine.com – Apigenin

May interact with blood thinners.

drug · anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs

CautionLimited

Why

Apigenin can influence cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in drug metabolism, possibly affecting levels or effects of anticoagulant medications.

recommendation

Consult with a clinician before use if taking these medications; monitor for signs of bleeding.

S7 · Drug Metabolism and Disposition – Drug interactions with flavonoids

May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

food · chamomile or related plants (Asteraceae family)

AvoidLimited

Why

Individuals allergic to chamomile or related plants may react to apigenin-containing supplements.

recommendation

Avoid use if allergic.

S5 · Examine.com – Apigenin

mechanisms of action

Brief explanations of how it works

Inhibition of inflammatory pathways

Apigenin suppresses the activation of NF-κB and other inflammatory mediators, reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

S2 · PubMed – Anti-inflammatory activity of apigenin S8 · International Journal of Molecular Sciences – Apigenin and inflammation

Modulation of GABA receptors

Apigenin binds to GABA(A) receptors in the brain, causing mild sedation and contributing to anxiolytic effects.

S3 · PubMed – Apigenin for anxiety: Chamomile extract clinical trial S5 · Examine.com – Apigenin

Antioxidant action

Directly scavenges reactive oxygen species and upregulates endogenous antioxidant defenses.

S1 · NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Flavonoids Fact Sheet S6 · Molecules – Bioavailability and food sources of apigenin

Cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in cancer cells

Induces cell cycle arrest and promotes apoptosis in various cancer cell types in laboratory conditions.

S4 · Cancer Letters – Anticancer mechanisms of apigenin

Sources & References

Primary literature and reviews on which these statements are based

8 sources

NIH Office of Dietary Supplements – Flavonoids Fact Sheet

PubMed – Anti-inflammatory activity of apigenin

PubMed – Apigenin for anxiety: Chamomile extract clinical trial

Cancer Letters – Anticancer mechanisms of apigenin

Examine.com – Apigenin

Molecules – Bioavailability and food sources of apigenin

Drug Metabolism and Disposition – Drug interactions with flavonoids

International Journal of Molecular Sciences – Apigenin and inflammation

Laatst bijgewerkt: 7 maart 2026

This information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.