Flavonoids are widely known for their antioxidant properties, and a number of studies show that apigenin, in particular, has significant antioxidant effects.  It’s also an effective anti-inflammatory agent compared to other flavonoids.

Because of its antioxidant effects, the flavone is used to promote healthy aging, increase our healthspan and utilised to boost skin health.  Topical apigenin is even used to fight acne and promote skin cell growth.

Reports suggest that apigenin has “reverse antibiotic” activities against some bacteria, which means that it may be active against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and help reverse bacterial resistance.  Researchers believe that the phytonutrient could be a candidate as a new antibiotic or as a dietary supplement to enhance the performance of antibiotics.

The nutrient also has proved to inhibit multiple viruses, including herpes; hepatitis C; influenza; hand, foot and mouth disease; and African swine fever.

Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, apigenin is able to reduce pain and discomfort related to inflammatory issues. This includes pain from digestive problems, infections, immune responses and migraine pain.

The flavonoid has been shown to decrease the release of cytokines, which can overproduce and lead to disease.

Apigenin supports cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and inflammation. Animal models show that it has cardioprotective effects in rats with heart damage.  One animal study found that apigenin protected rats against heart attack by reducing edema, cell death and oxidative stress.

Apigenin has neuroprotective effects.  Research published in Neural Regeneration Research found that apigenin has cognition-enhancing effects because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In mice with Alzheimer’s disease, it was able to improve memory and learning deficits, and in humans it suppressed inflammatory mediators.

This flavone is known for its relaxing and sedative effects.  It has been shown to reduce cortisol levels, helping prevent the body’s response to chronic stress.  This explains why chamomile tea can have beneficial effects on anxiety and help aid relaxation and sleep. 

Apigenin also has been shown to improve depression in rodents.  Treatment with the flavone was able to elevate immobility time in mice that were induced by chronic corticosterone treatment.

Animal studies suggest that apigenin improves insulin resistance and can be helpful for people with diabetes.  One report found that the flavone improved impaired glucose tolerance and significantly decreased insulin resistance.

Apigenin is also a very potent anti-cancer compound. It beneficially protects against a wide variety of cancers with high selectivity for cancer cells as opposed to non-cancerous cells. 

Several experimental and biological studies suggest that apigenin works as an anticancer agent.  A report published in Phytotherapy Research found that the flavonoid exhibits cell growth arrest and apoptosis in many types of tumors, including lung, liver, colon, prostate, pancreatic, breast, skin, blood and cervical.

Anticancer research further explores how apigenin plays a role in several cancer signaling pathways and should generate interest as a possible chemotherapeutic modality due to its low toxicity and effects on normal versus cancerous cells.

Lab studies suggest that apigenin plays a role in testosterone synthesis and blocks signaling of testosterone repressing proteins.  Because of its potential impact on hormone levels, it has become more popular to use apigenin for bodybuilding efforts.  This may help with muscle growth, strength and energy levels.  In this case, apigenin supplements are used to increase testosterone and potentially block estrogen production.