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Apigenin
A flavonoid found abundantly in chamomile that inhibits CD38 to preserve NAD+ levels, promotes BDNF expression, modulates GABA receptors for anxiolytic effects, and supports healthy sleep architecture.
Benefits
What is Apigenin?
Apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in high concentrations in chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla), parsley, celery, and other plants. While chamomile tea has been used as a calming remedy for thousands of years, modern research has revealed that apigenin is the primary bioactive compound responsible for these effects - and that its mechanisms extend far beyond simple relaxation into neuroprotection, NAD+ preservation, and neuroplasticity support.
Apigenin has gained particular attention in the longevity science community for its potent inhibition of CD38 - an enzyme that is the primary consumer of NAD+ in the body and whose expression increases dramatically with age. By inhibiting CD38, apigenin preserves endogenous NAD+ levels without requiring exogenous NAD+ precursors (like NMN or NR), making it a complementary strategy for maintaining cellular energy. A 2020 study published in Nature Metabolism demonstrated that CD38 inhibition restored NAD+ levels and improved mitochondrial function in aged mice. Separately, apigenin's anxiolytic effects are well-documented: a 2009 RCT published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that chamomile extract (standardised to apigenin) significantly reduced GAD symptoms over eight weeks. Apigenin also promotes BDNF expression and has demonstrated anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties in numerous studies.
- CD38 inhibition: Potently inhibits CD38 (a NADase), preserving cellular NAD+ levels and supporting sirtuin activity and mitochondrial function
- GABA-A receptor modulation: Binds to the benzodiazepine binding site on GABA-A receptors as a positive allosteric modulator, producing anxiolytic and mildly sedative effects without benzodiazepine-level impairment
- BDNF promotion: Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression, supporting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis
- Anti-neuroinflammatory: Inhibits NF-kB activation and reduces microglial production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and nitric oxide
- Aromatase inhibition: Mildly inhibits aromatase (CYP19), which may support testosterone levels in men
- Antioxidant: Direct radical scavenging and indirect upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase)
- Standard supplement dosage: 50-100 mg of apigenin per day
- Sleep and relaxation: 50 mg taken 30-60 minutes before bed
- NAD+ preservation: 50-100 mg daily, taken at any time
- Chamomile tea equivalent: A strong cup of chamomile tea provides approximately 3-10 mg of apigenin - well below supplement doses
- Bioavailability: Apigenin has relatively low oral bioavailability. Taking with a source of fat may improve absorption
- Onset: Relaxation and sleep effects can be noticed acutely. NAD+ and neuroprotective benefits are long-term
- Generally safe: Apigenin has a long history of dietary exposure through chamomile and other food sources
- Sedation at high doses: Higher doses (200+ mg) may cause excessive drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking high doses
- Drug interactions: May inhibit certain CYP450 enzymes. Use caution with medications metabolised by CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4
- Pregnancy: Insufficient data for high-dose apigenin supplements during pregnancy. Chamomile tea in moderation is generally considered safe
- Hormone sensitivity: Mild aromatase inhibition and possible oestrogenic activity at high doses - consult a doctor if you have a hormone-sensitive condition
Natural Sources & Forms
- Isolated apigenin capsules: Available from nootropic and longevity supplement retailers in 50-100 mg capsules
- Chamomile extract: Standardised chamomile extracts with specified apigenin content (1.2-3% apigenin)
- Chamomile tea: Provides lower but meaningful doses of apigenin for daily relaxation
- Food sources: Parsley (the richest dietary source), celery, chamomile, thyme, and peppermint
Research Studies
Frequently Asked Questions
A flavonoid found abundantly in chamomile that inhibits CD38 to preserve NAD+ levels, promotes BDNF expression, modulates GABA receptors for anxiolytic effects, and supports healthy sleep architecture.
The key benefits of Apigenin include: Anxiety & Calm, Cognitive Enhancement, Longevity, Mood, Sleep, Stress Relief.
CD38 inhibition: Potently inhibits CD38 (a NADase), preserving cellular NAD+ levels and supporting sirtuin activity and mitochondrial function GABA-A receptor modulation: Binds to the benzodiazepine binding site on GABA-A receptors as a positive allosteric modulator, producing anxiolytic and mildly sedative effects without benzodiazepine-level impairment BDNF promotion: Increases brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression, supporting neuroplasticity and neurogenesis Anti-neuroinflammatory: Inhibits NF-kB activation and reduces microglial production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, and nitric oxide Aromatase inhibition: Mildly inhibits aromatase (CYP19), which may support testosterone levels in men Antioxidant: Direct radical scavenging and indirect upregulation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase)
Standard supplement dosage: 50-100 mg of apigenin per day Sleep and relaxation: 50 mg taken 30-60 minutes before bed NAD+ preservation: 50-100 mg daily, taken at any time Chamomile tea equivalent: A strong cup of chamomile tea provides approximately 3-10 mg of apigenin - well below supplement doses Bioavailability: Apigenin has relatively low oral bioavailability. Taking with a source of fat may improve absorption Onset: Relaxation and sleep effects can be noticed acutely. NAD+ and neuroprotective benefits are long-term
Generally safe: Apigenin has a long history of dietary exposure through chamomile and other food sources Sedation at high doses: Higher doses (200+ mg) may cause excessive drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking high doses Drug interactions: May inhibit certain CYP450 enzymes. Use caution with medications metabolised by CYP1A2, CYP2C9, or CYP3A4 Pregnancy: Insufficient data for high-dose apigenin supplements during pregnancy. Chamomile tea in moderation is generally considered safe Hormone sensitivity: Mild aromatase inhibition and possible oestrogenic activity at high doses - consult a doctor if you have a hormone-sensitive condition
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