Apigenin is a flavonoid commonly found in chamomile tea. Flavonoids are phytochemicals found in plant tissues and they protect plants from solar radiation and pathogens. Chamomile tea contains apigenin in concentrations ranging from 0.8% to 1.2%.
Other foods that contain apigenin include onions, thyme, red and white sorghum, celery, oranges, parsley, cilantro, kumquats, and basil. Dried parsley has the highest apigenin content at about 45mg/gram and is a great way to boost your intake. apigenin supplement is a dietary supplement that can boost your apigenin intake. Apigenin has various benefits to the human body.
1. Relieves Insomnia
Insomnia can severely affect a person's health and well-being. For many years chamomile has been used to relieve insomnia. Individuals who take apigenin have been seen to have improved daytime functioning.
2. Treats Anxiety and Depression
Chamomile has been used by traditional healers for a long time to treat anxiety and depression. Apigenin can cross the blood-brain barrier. This is the barrier that separates blood in the body and blood in the brain. This means that apigenin can affect the central nervous system.
In a 2016 clinical trial, participants were given chamomile extract while a control group was given a placebo. Participants who had been given chamomile treatment were seen to experience reduced anxiety levels and reduced blood pressure when compared to the group who had been given a placebo.
3. Anti-inflammatory
Apigenin has special anti-inflammatory effects. It lowers oxidative stress and prevents the occurrence of several inflammatory factors.
4. Testosterone Booster
Testosterone is an essential hormone for male fertility. It aids in sperm production and male development. As men age, testosterone levels decrease. This results in erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass.
Researchers have demonstrated that apigenin delays the fall in testosterone levels caused by aging. In fact, it increases the amount of testosterone produced by the testicles. Men are encouraged to take diets containing fruits and vegetables to increase their apigenin intake.
5. Improves regulation of glucose levels
There is ongoing research on the ability of apigenin to regulate blood sugar levels. Apigenin increases the amount of insulin released by the pancreas. Insulin is the hormone that regulates blood sugar levels. Apigenin also increases nitric oxide levels in cells that make up the vascular system. In this way, it protects blood vessels from damage due to diabetes.
6. Kills cancer cells
Cancer is caused by abnormally multiplying body cells. Currently, chemotherapy is the best treatment for cancer. Chemotherapy involves the introduction of chemicals into the body to kill the cancer cells. Chemotherapy has extremely harmful side effects on the body. Currently, there is ongoing research on the anti-cancer abilities of apigenin. Apigenin has been seen to kill cancer cells and therefore it slows down their multiplication.
It is recommended to take apigenin supplements just before going to bed as it has sedative properties. Apigenin is safe when consumed in normal quantities which one can usually get through fruits and vegetables. Taking apigenin supplements should be done with caution as high amounts of apigenin could cause stomach discomfort. However, apigenin helps relieve insomnia, reduce inflammation, treat anxiety, boost testosterone, and regulate blood glucose levels.