Apigenin exerts its calming effect because of its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, a highly selective, semi-permeable membrane that provides neuroprotection by allowing certain compounds to enter while restricting others.
Studies have shown that apigenin has a greater ability to cross the blood-brain barrier than other popular flavonoids/antioxidants, including quercetin, rutin, and hesperidin.
The only two flavonoids superior to apigenin are goldfinch isoflavones (a phytoestrogen found in soybeans) and isoglycyrrhizin (a component of licorice).
After crossing the blood-brain barrier, apigenin has an affinity for the GABA A receptor.
GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter, and the GABA A receptor is the primary target of drugs used to treat anxiety and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Researchers also believe that apigenin may improve mood and reduce anxiety by modulating dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
Additionally, apigenin inhibits MAO-A and MAO-B-an enzyme that metabolizes certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine.
Finally, studies have shown that apigenin stimulates the uptake of L-tyrosine, a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine.
What is the recommended dose of apigenin?
There is a serious lack of research on direct apigenin supplementation in humans. That said, apigenin has low toxicity and is considered safe by researchers, even when consumed in larger amounts than are common in dietary supplements.
When it comes to dietary supplements, typical doses of apigenin in most products range from 25-50 mg.
Chamomile supplements have been found to reduce anxiety using a chamomile extract standardized to contain 1.2% apigenin.
Participants in these studies received 100-250 mg of chamomile extract (standardized to 1.2% apigenin), which produced13.2-18 mg of apigenin.
Earlier studies in mice initially documented the anxiolytic effects of apigenin, but higher doses (10-100 mg/kg) were used.
To convert a mouse dose to a human equivalent, divide by 12.3 and multiply by your body weight in kilograms.
To convert to a human equivalent dose for an 80 kg male (176 lbs), you would need to consum e 65-130 mg.
Keep in mind that at the upper end of the dose range (30-100 mg/kg in mice), apigenin exerts a strong sedative effect.
Is apigenin safe?
Apigenin has low toxicity, and both apigenin and chamomile are considered safe, even for long-term consumption.
How does apigenin relieve the anxiety?
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The working principle of apigenin for stress relief is mainly related to its multiple actions at the neurophysiological and biochemical levels.
1.Apigenin is able to cross the blood-brain barrier and has an affinity for the GABA A receptor, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter that plays a role in maintaining homeostasis and stability in the brain, and is critical for reducing anxiety and tension.The GABA A receptor, in turn, is the primary target of many drugs used to treat anxiety and other neuropsychiatric disorders.
Binding of apigenin to GABA A receptors enhances the inhibitory effects of GABA, thereby helping to reduce stress and anxiety.
2.Apigenin also regulates the levels of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. These neurotransmitters play an important role in mood regulation, motivation, and concentration. By regulating these neurotransmitters, apigenin can improve mood states, reduce anxiety, and help people cope better with stress.
3.Apigenin inhibits the activity of two enzymes, MAO-A and MAO-B. These two enzymes are key enzymes that metabolize certain neurotransmitters (including dopamine), and their overactivity may lead to a decrease in neurotransmitter levels, which in turn triggers mood problems such as anxiety. By inhibiting the activity of these enzymes, apigenin protects neurotransmitters from being overly broken down, thus maintaining their normal levels and helping to relieve anxiety and stress.
To summarize, apigenin stress relief works on a combination of neurophysiological and biochemical levels by binding to GABA A receptors, regulating neurotransmitter levels, and inhibiting the enzymes that metabolize neurotransmitters, thus helping to relieve stress and anxiety.
so when is the best time to take apigenin?
The best time to use Apigenin can be adjusted according to individual habits and needs, but in general, it is recommended to take it around half an hour to one hour after a meal for better absorption.
First of all, half an hour to one hour after a meal is the most active time for the digestive system, when stomach acid secretion is higher and food enters the small intestine for absorption. Apigenin, as a flavonoid, needs to be absorbed through the mucosa of the small intestine, so taking it during this time period can make full use of the absorption function of the small intestine and improve the bioavailability of apigenin.
Secondly, apigenin has a certain degree of irritation, taking it on an empty stomach may cause some irritation to the gastric mucosa, causing stomach discomfort. Taking it after meals, on the other hand, can reduce this stimulation and lower the probability of adverse reactions.
In addition, apigenin has a certain sedative effect, which can help relieve anxiety and improve sleep. Therefore, for those who need to take apigenin at night, it is recommended to take it about half an hour to an hour after dinner to fully utilize its sedative effect and help improve sleep quality.
