How To Take Apigenin Extract (Matricaria Chamomilla) – 4 Top Questions Answered

Apigenin is a potent plant flavonoid that is widely present in fruits and vegetables and it is known to exhibit significant antioxidant activity. Among the thousands of known flavonoids, Apigenin along with quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin and luteolin are the five most abundant flavonoids in our diet.[1]

Apigenin is found particularly in high concentrations in plants such as celery, kumquats, onions, chamomile, parsley and oregano. [2]

Our Liftmode Apigenin supplement is derived Matricaria chamomilla (also known as chamomile), a flower belonging to the Asteraceae family. The chamomile extract as well as other Apigenin-containing herbs were used for centuries as functional foods and herbal remedies.

In this article, we look at guidelines on taking Apigenin supplements, i.e. recommended dosages, side effects and important interactions with other herbs or medications.

What Are Some Key Apigenin Extract Benefits?

Apigenin is an incredibly powerful compound with several health benefits.

Today, Apigenin is used to support a number of body functions. Some of the key therapeutic properties of Apigenin include:

  • Exhibits antioxidant effects, protecting the body from oxidative stress. [3]
  • Acts as a neuroprotective and cognitive enhancing agent. [4]
  • It may help reduce feelings of everyday stress
  • Apigenin may support a healthy circulatory system.

How Much Apigenin Extract (Matricaria chamomilla) to Take?

 Since Apigenin is a phytochemical that is present in most food sources, recommended dietary varies widely. In terms of Apigenin supplementation, there is no standard serving size. In terms of general dosing, studies have shown Apigenin is most effective and safe in servings ranging from 200 mg to 1500 mg.

Make sure to follow user guidelines on product labels. Do not exceed doses on packaging without medical supervision. High doses (100 mg/kg of bodyweight) are hepatotoxic. Consult your doctor before trying this supplement.

Is Apigenin Safe – Side effects and Drug Interactions

As for the safety of Apigenin supplements, reports have found Apigenin to have low toxicity and safe for long term use when used correctly. [9] However, some may experience allergic reactions to this supplement. Matricaria chamomilla L. is a member of ragweed family of plants and therefore individuals with ragweed allergies can have allergic reactions such as skin irritations and in high doses can cause nausea or drowsiness. [10]

Another warning of Apigenin supplements is that it may cause liver toxicity in mice in high doses (100mg/kg of bodyweight). [11] In addition, Apigenin supplements may have must be avoided for up to 2 weeks before surgery. [12]

There is not sufficient data regarding the safety of Apigenin supplements on pregnant or breastfeeding women, or if it can be used by children. For this reason, please consult your doctor before trying this product.

In terms of interactions, Apigenin extract may interact with blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs, and aspirin. [14] 

Conclusion

To summarize, Apigenin is an incredible supplement for cognitive support, stress-reducer, and immune booster. It has been shown to reduce boost antioxidant status and supports general health and well-being.

Given the fact that it supports relaxation and sleep, it can be consumed anytime of the day as it doesn’t interfere with circadian rhythms.  Studies suggest it is most effective and safe in doses ranging from 200 mg to 1500 mg daily.

Please consult your healthcare provider before taking this product if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have underlying health conditions. Apigenin may interact with blood thinning medications such as aspirin as well as other prescription and/or OTC medications.

References

[1] Minqian Wang. Jenni Firrman.  LinShu Liu.  et al. (2019). ‘A Review on Flavonoid Apigenin: Dietary Intake… and Interactions with Human Gut Microbiota’, BioMed Research International, vol. 2019, Article ID 7010467, 18 pages, 2019. https://doi.org/10.1155/2019/7010467

[2] S. Bhagwat, D. B. Haytowitz, and J. M. Holden. ‘USDA Database for the Flavonoid Content of Selected Foods’,  U.S. Department of Agriculture, pp. 1–156, 2011.

[3] Karamese M. Erol H.S. Albayrak M. et al. (2016). ‘Anti-oxidant … effects of apigenin’, Immunopharmacology & Immunotoxicology, 38(3), pp.228-37. doi: 10.3109/08923973.2016.1173058. PMID: 27144896.

[10] A. Vogiatzoglou A. A. Mulligan  M. A. Lentjes et al., “Flavonoid Intake in European Adults (18 to 64 Years),” PLoS ONE, vol. 10, no. 5, p. e0128132, 2015.

[11] Singh, P. Mishra, S. K. Noel, S. Sharma, S. & Rath, S. K. (2012). ‘Acute exposure of apigenin induces hepatotoxicity in Swiss mice’, PloS one7(2), e31964. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0031964

[12] Navarro-Núñez L, Lozano ML, Palomo M, Martínez C, Vicente V, Castillo J, Benavente-García O, Diaz-Ricart M, Escolar G, Rivera J. Apigenin inhibits platelet adhesion and thrombus formation and synergizes with aspirin in the suppression of the arachidonic acid pathway. J Agric Food Chem. 2008 May 14;56(9):2970-6. doi: 10.1021/jf0723209. Epub 2008 Apr 15. PMID: 18410117.

[13] Barlas N. Özer S. Karabulut G. (2014). ‘The estrogenic effects of apigenin, phloretin and myricetin based on uterotrophic assay in immature Wistar albino rats’, Toxicology Lett.  226(1), pp.35-42. doi: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2014.01.030. Epub 2014 Jan 30. PMID: 24487097.

[14] Wu T. Li H. Chen J. et al. (2017). ‘Apigenin, a novel candidate involving herb-drug interaction (HDI), interacts with organic anion transporter 1 (OAT1)’, Pharmacology Rep, 69(6), pp. 1254-1262. doi: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.06.012. Epub 2017 Jun 27. PMID: 29128807.