Apigenin
Flavonoid that suppresses PI3K/NF-κB, inhibits VEGF/angiogenesis, induces G2/M arrest & apoptosis, and can raise tumor-selective ROS; evidence mainly preclinical.
Forms: Purified apigenin capsules · Chamomile/celery/parsley extracts (apigenin-rich; variable content)
Simple Summary
Apigenin slows cancer-cell division, pushes them toward self-destruction, and reduces blood-vessel growth. It dials down PI3K/AKT and NF-κB and can raise ROS inside tumor cells. Most evidence is lab/animal; concentrated extracts are needed for pharmacologic effects beyond diet.
Evidence at a glance
Strong mechanistic and animal data; limited human oncology evidence.
How it may work
Apigenin is a flavonoid that exerts anticancer effects by inducing G2/M cell cycle arrest, inhibiting angiogenesis (via VEGF downregulation), and acting as a topoisomerase-II poison. It modulates key signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and NF-κB, inhibits cancer cell migration and invasion, promotes apoptosis through mitochondrial disruption, and increases intracellular ROS generation selectively in cancer cells.
Targets & pathways
Curated mechanistic targets reported for this agent — how it may act on cells, not proof of a clinical effect.
- PI3K/Akt↓
- NF-κB↓
- Topoisomerase II↓Poison/inhibitory effect in some models
- VEGF↓
- Angiogenesis↓
- G2/M cell-cycle arrest↑
- Apoptosis↑
- ROS↑Preferential in tumor cells
- MAPK/ERK↓Context-dependent modulation
Often studied / combined with
Combinations reported in the literature, not a protocol or a recommendation.
- Curcumin: Convergent NF-κB/PI3K suppression.
- EGCG: Overlapping anti-angiogenic and signaling effects.
Overlapping mechanisms
- PI3K ↓, NF-κB ↓: Avoid stacking multiple strong inhibitors of the same axes unless intentional and monitored.
Safety & interactions
Severity and how well-established each signal is are shown separately. Verify everything with your oncologist or pharmacist — absence here does not mean safe.
- ROS-dependent chemotherapy/radiationSeparateModerateTheoreticalPro/antioxidant effects could blunt or alter intended ROS waves—separate timing.
- topoisomerase II–targeting agents (e.g., doxorubicin, etoposide)MonitorMinorTheoreticalPotentially additive DNA damage/repair effects—coordinate with oncology.
Timing
- With-meal: Improves GI tolerance.
- AM
- PM
References
Research
No published studies for Apigenin yet
New studies appear here once they’ve been reviewed. Browse all studies.
Dose: as studied, not a recommendation
Ranges seen in adjunct / practice use: 50–200 mg (oral) Standardized apigenin; consider divided dosing with meals for GI tolerance. Higher intakes lack robust human safety/PK data., Dietary intake alone is far below pharmacologic levels; extracts are used in studies. Avoid pushing above ~200–400 mg/day without protocol-level justification and monitoring..
Trials studying Apigenin
No actively-recruiting trials matched right now. Recruiting is not the same as proven. Search ClinicalTrials.gov →