Apigenin

CompoundNAD+

Discover 0 whole food sources of Apigenin, certified organic growers, and the latest longevity research on this bioactive compound.

Apigenin is a flavone (a subclass of flavonoids) found in common plants and foods such as chamomile, parsley, celery, and citrus fruits. It has been studied for potential cellular health and longevity-related effects in preclinical models.

Mechanism of action

Apigenin is thought to act through multiple pathways relevant to cellular aging and stress resilience. It may activate SIRT1 (a NAD+-dependent deacetylase) and related sirtuins, modulate oxidative stress through antioxidant activity, and induce autophagy — a cellular "cleanup" process. The exact molecular targets and relative importance of these pathways in human cells remain incompletely characterized.

Evidence overview

Apigenin has been the subject of numerous cell and animal model studies suggesting potential benefits for antioxidant defense, anti-inflammatory signaling, and stress resistance. However, the Verisource evidence pipeline does not yet contain reviewed human clinical trials or robust translational data on apigenin's longevity effects in people. Published literature indicates promise in preclinical systems (particularly in nematode, yeast, and rodent aging models), but the bioavailability of apigenin from food sources and its pharmacological efficacy in humans remain uncertain. Caution is warranted when extrapolating from cell and animal studies to human outcomes.

Frequently asked questions

What foods contain apigenin?+

Apigenin is found in chamomile tea, parsley, celery, onions, and citrus fruits (especially in the peel). It is present in many common herbs and vegetables, though concentrations vary significantly depending on plant part, growing conditions, and preparation.

How is apigenin thought to affect aging and longevity?+

Preclinical studies suggest apigenin may activate sirtuins (NAD+-dependent enzymes), reduce oxidative stress, and trigger autophagy — cellular processes implicated in aging and stress resilience. However, these findings are primarily from cell and animal models; human evidence is limited.

Is apigenin bioavailable from food sources?+

Apigenin appears to have relatively low oral bioavailability and is rapidly metabolized, which raises questions about whether dietary amounts produce sufficient blood levels to achieve pharmacological effects. More human pharmacokinetic data is needed.

Are there human clinical trials on apigenin and longevity?+

The Verisource pipeline does not currently contain human clinical trials specifically assessing apigenin's effects on aging or lifespan. Most evidence comes from cell culture and animal studies.

Is apigenin safe to consume from food?+

Apigenin is a naturally occurring flavonoid in foods and is generally recognized as safe in dietary amounts. However, high-dose supplemental use has not been extensively studied for long-term safety in humans.

Open research questions

What is the human bioavailability and effective dosage of apigenin from whole food sources?
Does apigenin's activation of sirtuin and autophagy pathways in vitro translate to meaningful longevity effects in human clinical trials?
Which cellular targets and pathways are most important for apigenin's putative anti-aging effects in humans?
Are there long-term safety or interaction data for sustained apigenin consumption from dietary sources?

Content overview generated by AI from pipeline evidence. Not medical advice — consult a licensed physician. Generated 2026-04-22.

Food sources

Research citations

Flavonoid apigenin is an inhibitor of the NAD+ase CD38

Escande C et al. · Diabetes · 2013

peer-reviewedDOI →