The Science Behind Apigenin

Apigenin

What it is: An antioxidant found naturally in some plants, fruits, and nuts, very similar to resveratrol but easier to absorb, that has been studied for its numerous health benefits.

What it does: An antioxidant found naturally in some plants, fruits, and nuts, very similar to resveratrol but easier to absorb, that has been studied for its numerous health benefits.

What is Apigenin?

Apigenin is a common and widely distributed flavonoid found in a variety of plants. Flavonoids are a class of naturally occurring phytochemicals that are found in plant tissues. Plants use flavonoids to protect themselves from environmental stress, including stress from pathogens and radiation from the sun.

Where can it be found in nature?

Apigenin can be found in chamomile, yarrow, thyme, cherries, tea, olives, broccoli and parsley (especially dried parsley). However, it’s much easier to get a worthwhile amount when taking it in supplement form.

What are its primary functions and benefits?

Apigenin supports healthy ageing. It isn’t just good at protecting plants from external aggressions; it can protect humans as well. Apigenin is an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and cognition-enhancing substance. It has exciting potential in the treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease. And, a number of scientific studies have shown apigenin inhibits CD38, one of the main NAD+ degrading enzymes in human tissues.

During ageing, CD38 levels increase in several tissues (including the liver, brain, heart, and kidney), which leads to age-related NAD+ decline. Moreover, increased levels of CD38 during ageing correlate with the development of mitochondrial dysfunction, mediated by reduction of Sirtuin3 and NAD+ activity. Apigenin inhibits CD38 and increases intracellular NAD+ levels, improving the overall healthy functioning of the cellular body.

Why do we use apigenin in our supplements?

We include apigenin in our Booster supplement as it prevents NAD+ decline in the body, thanks to its CD38 inhibiting properties. It's a perfect complement to our NMN product since NMN acts as a direct precursor (a building block) of NAD+, while apigenin slows down and inhibits the breakdown of your NAD+ storage supply. In other words, NAD+ levels can rise when you take apigenin and NMN together. They work as a powerful, healthy ageing combination. If that's not enough, activating sirtuins by NAD+ regulates essential physiological processes, including the circadian rhythm, glucose and fat metabolism, and the healthy ageing process.

Sources

  1. Barbosa MT, Soares SM, Novak CM, Sinclair D, Levine JA, Aksoy P, Chini EN. The enzyme CD38 (a NAD glycohydrolase, EC 3.2.2.5) is necessary for the development of diet-induced obesity. FASEB J. 2007; 21:3629–39. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.07-8290com
  2. Escande C, Nin V, Price NL, Capellini V, Gomes AP, Barbosa MT, O'Neil L, White TA, Sinclair DA, Chini EN. Flavonoid apigenin is an inhibitor of the NAD+ ase CD38: implications for cellular NAD+ metabolism, protein acetylation, and treatment of metabolic syndrome. Diabetes. 2013; 62:1084–93. https://doi.org/10.2337/db12-1139
  3. Ogura Y, Kitada M, Xu J, Monno I, Koya D,. CD38 inhibition by apigenin ameliorates mitochondrial oxidative stress through restoration of the intracellular NAD+/NADH ratio and Sirt3 activity in renal tubular cells in diabetic rats. Aging (Albany NY). 2020; 12:11325-11336. https://doi.org/10.18632/aging.103410