ResearchSafe

Apigenin (Apigenin (Flavone))

Category: Sleep & Recovery. Status: OTC supplement.

A flavone found in chamomile and parsley, popularized by longevity researchers as part of an evening sleep stack. Biohackers use it for sleep onset, relaxation, and its NAD-preserving and anti-inflammatory properties.

How it works

Binds benzodiazepine sites on GABA-A receptors for mild anxiolytic and sedative effects, and inhibits CD38, an NAD-consuming enzyme, thereby helping preserve cellular NAD+ levels. Also provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity.

Key facts

  • Molecular weight: 270.24 Da
  • Half-life: ~5-10 hours
  • Bioavailability: Low; enhanced by fat and formulation
  • Storage: Room temperature, protect from light.

Dosing overview

  • Typical dose: 50 mg per day
  • Frequency: Once daily (evening)
  • Duration: Ongoing
  • Route: Oral capsule

Protocol notes

  • Common sleep-stack dose is ~50 mg taken 30-60 minutes before bed.
  • Often stacked with magnesium and glycine/theanine for an evening protocol.
  • Taking with a little dietary fat can aid absorption.

Reported benefits

  • Supports sleep onset
  • Mild anxiolytic/relaxation
  • CD38 inhibition (NAD+ preservation)
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
  • Potential anti-cancer research interest

Possible side effects

  • Mild drowsiness
  • Rare GI upset
  • Possible additive sedation with other sleep aids
  • Chamomile-allergy caution

Research

  • Apigenin inhibits CD38 and preserves NAD+ (2013): Apigenin inhibited CD38, raising intracellular NAD+ and improving metabolic markers in animal models.
  • Apigenin GABA-A modulation (2019): Demonstrated anxiolytic and mild sedative effects via benzodiazepine-site GABA-A binding.

Community reviews of Apigenin

Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 4 community reviews by ResearchSafe members.

  • wellness_wade rated it 4/5 - Solid compound with real results: Been using Apigenin for about 6 months and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
  • peptide_sarah rated it 5/5 - Genuinely effective after 2 weeks: Been using Apigenin for about 2 weeks and the results are clear. Not overnight dramatic, but a steady, consistent improvement that became undeniable by the end of the first month. The mechanism makes sense based on what I have read in the literature, and my subjective experience matches the expected timeline. Benefits built gradually and plateaued at a good level. Side effects were minimal to none at the dose I used. Followed proper protocols for sourcing, storage, and administration. Would recommend to others who have done their research and have realistic expectations.
  • cycle_sage rated it 5/5 - Worth adding to the protocol: Apigenin has been a worthwhile addition. I am data-driven and tracked relevant markers before, during, and after. The improvement is measurable and correlates with the intervention timeline. What sets this apart from some compounds I have tried is the consistency. Benefits did not fluctuate wildly or disappear. They built up and maintained. That gives me confidence in the mechanism. Tolerance has been excellent. Nothing in my bloodwork or subjective experience raised any flags. This is the kind of compound that does its job quietly without causing problems. Exactly what you want.
  • cycle_sage rated it 5/5 - Noticed clear benefits within weeks: Added Apigenin to my protocol about 6 months ago and it has earned its place. The benefits became noticeable around week 2-3 and have been consistent since. What I appreciate about this compound is the predictability. It does what the research suggests it should do, at roughly the timeline you would expect. No surprises, no dramatic swings, just steady improvement. No notable side effects to report at my dose. Sourcing is always the challenge with research compounds, insist on third-party testing. Storage and reconstitution per standard protocols. Plan to continue.

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Community discussions about Apigenin

Research and educational reference only. Not medical advice.