Last verified: today
Apigenin
Also known as: 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone, chamomile flavonoid, apigenin-7-glucoside
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Plant flavonoid found in chamomile. Early evidence for menopause symptom relief; most benefits still unproven in humans.
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What it does
Apigenin is a natural flavonoid found in chamomile, parsley, and other plants. In a clinical trial, chamomile capsules standardized to contain apigenin significantly reduced hot flashes, mood...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
No established dose
What the Science Says
Apigenin is a natural flavonoid found in chamomile, parsley, and other plants. In a clinical trial, chamomile capsules standardized to contain apigenin significantly reduced hot flashes, mood symptoms, and urinary complaints in postmenopausal women over 12 weeks. A topical chamomile preparation containing apigenin also showed meaningful pain relief for migraine without aura in a crossover trial. Most other proposed benefits — including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer effects — come from animal or lab studies and have not been confirmed in humans.
What It Doesn't Do
Not proven to fight cancer in humans. No human evidence it protects fertility or reproductive organs. Won't slow aging on its own — the population data linking it to aging is observational, not causal. No evidence it controls blood sugar or appetite in humans. Don't expect the same effects from food sources — bioavailability from supplements is very poor.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Chamomile standardized to apigenin reduced hot flashes, mood issues, and urinary symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: 400 mg/day chamomile (1.2% apigenin) for 12 weeks
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Topical chamomile gel containing apigenin significantly reduced migraine pain, nausea, and light sensitivity.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: Topical oleogel, 0.233 mg/g apigenin
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Higher dietary apigenin intake is associated with lower risk of accelerated biological aging in large population data.
Weak EvidenceEffective at: No established dose
Supporting studies (click to view on PubMed):
Absorption & Bioavailability
Poor — human pharmacokinetic data shows only ~0.5% of ingested apigenin appears as metabolites in urine within 24 hours. Glycoside forms (from parsley) absorb somewhat better than pure apigenin, but overall absorption remains low.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Very poor bioavailability means most oral apigenin supplements may not deliver meaningful blood levels
- Chamomile products caused side effects including mouth sores, skin spots, and itching in a clinical trial, leading to participant dropouts
- Most exciting claims (anticancer, fertility protection, anti-aging) are based on animal or cell studies only — not human trials
- Apigenin is almost always studied as part of chamomile extract, not as an isolated ingredient — standalone apigenin supplement effects are largely untested in humans
- Over 1,000 products on the market despite very limited human clinical evidence
Products Containing Apigenin
See how Apigenin is used in these analyzed products:
Life Extension Two-Per-Day Multivitamin
Supplement
Life Extension Mix Capsules
Supplement
Nature's Answer Liquid Tart Cherry
Supplement
Charlotte's Web Quiet Sleep Mushroom Gummies
Supplement
Juna Nightcap Sleep Gummies
Supplement
OLLY Sleep Blackberry Zen
Supplement
Beam Dream Powder
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Apigenin do?
Plant flavonoid found in chamomile. Early evidence for menopause symptom relief; most benefits still unproven in humans.
What is the effective dose of Apigenin?
No established dose
Is Apigenin safe?
Very poor bioavailability means most oral apigenin supplements may not deliver meaningful blood levels
What doesn't Apigenin do?
Not proven to fight cancer in humans.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-05-29