Apigenin Background

Apigenin is a natural flavone compound discovered as a yellow crystalline solid derived from various plant sources .

The name originates from the Apium genus in the Apiaceae family, representing a 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone molecular structure .

It is biosynthetically derived from the phenylpropanoid pathway, starting with aromatic amino acids like L-phenylalanine .

Apigenin exists naturally in many fruits and vegetables, with the highest concentrations found in parsley, chamomile, celery, and celeriac .

Apigenin Systemic Applications

Apigenin demonstrates remarkable versatility in systemic applications, particularly in cardiovascular and metabolic health .

It plays a protective role in cardiovascular diseases by preventing vascular endothelial dysfunction through antioxidant and anti-apoptotic mechanisms .

The compound can regulate multiple signaling pathways, including NF-κB, PI3K-Akt, and suppress inflammatory responses .

Studies have shown its potential in improving glucose metabolism, reducing oxidative stress, and modulating cellular energy utilization .

Apigenin for Brain and Cognition

Apigenin has shown significant neuroprotective effects in various neurological models, including Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and cognitive dysfunction .

In rodent studies, it demonstrated pro-cognitive effects by reducing inflammation markers, decreasing apoptosis, and increasing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) .

The compound inhibits glutamate NMDA receptors and provides neuroprotection against glutamate-induced neurotoxicity .

Research indicates its potential to restore cognitive function by suppressing neuroinflammation and modulating histone acetylation .

Apigenin for Eye and Vision

Apigenin has demonstrated promising applications in ocular health, particularly in managing inflammatory eye conditions .

Studies show it can alleviate autoimmune uveitis by inhibiting microglia pro-inflammatory polarization .

Research indicates potential protective effects against retinal disorders, including age-related macular degeneration and oxidative retinal damage .

A solid dispersion of apigenin has shown effectiveness in protecting mouse retina by regulating the Nrf2 pathway and enhancing autophagy .

Relevant quotes:

"Apigenin is a natural small molecule compound widely present in various vegetables and fruits" 

Relevant NCBI article quotes:

"Apigenin treatment has shown pro-cognitive effects in rodent models of Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, stroke, and isoflurane-induced cognitive dysfunction" 

Functions supported or stimulated:

1. Anti-inflammatory response

2. Antioxidant activity

3. Neuroprotection

4. Cardiovascular regulation

5. Apoptosis modulation

Related benefits:

1. Cognitive function support

2. Cardiovascular health

3. Retinal protection

4. Neuroinflammation reduction

5. Metabolic regulation

Source Information:

Botanical sources:

- Parsley (Petroselinum crispum)

- Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla)

- Celery (Apium graveolens)

- Artichokes

- Oregano

Common names:

1. Flavone

2. 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone

3. Plant-derived flavonoid

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apigenin

[2] https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.875826/full

[3] https://www.alzdiscovery.org/uploads/cognitive_vitality_media/Apigenin-Cognitive-Vitality-For-Researchers.pdf

[4] https://iovs.arvojournals.org/article.aspx?articleid=2785639

[5] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5791748/

[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6472148/

[7] https://www.nature.com/articles/srep31450

[8] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7244986/

[9] https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/17/5192

[10] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7409011/