# Apigetrin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/apigetrin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-30 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Apigenin-7-glucoside, Apigenin-7-O-glucoside, Apigenin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside, 7-O-Glucosylapigenin, Cosmetin, Apigenin glucoside ## Overview Apigetrin is a flavonoid glycoside found in chamomile and parsley that demonstrates anti-cancer properties through cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induction. Research shows it inhibits PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways while reducing [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in cellular studies. ## Health Benefits • Inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells (PMID: 37509167; in vitro). • Induces G2/M arrest and [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) in AGS gastric cancer cells by inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways (PMID: 32559585; in vitro). • Reduces inflammation and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) in an LPS-induced mouse otitis media model (PMID: 30551453; animal study). • Ameliorates testicular damage via anti-apoptotic and antioxidant effects in doxorubicin-treated rats (PMID: 38643196; animal study). • Exhibits [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects by inhibiting NF-κB signaling in BV-2 microglia and L6 cells (preclinical evidence). ## Mechanism of Action Apigetrin exerts anti-cancer effects by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, leading to G2/M cell cycle arrest and [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) induction in cancer cells. The compound also demonstrates [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity by reducing LPS-induced inflammatory responses and [oxidative stress](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) markers. ## Clinical Summary Current research on apigetrin consists primarily of in vitro studies examining its anti-cancer properties. Laboratory studies show it effectively inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Additional cellular research demonstrates G2/M arrest and [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity) induction in AGS gastric cancer cells through PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibition. However, human clinical trials and specific dosage recommendations are not yet available. ## Nutritional Profile Apigetrin (apigenin-7-O-glucoside) is a naturally occurring flavonoid glycoside (molecular formula: C21H20O10; molecular weight: 432.38 g/mol), not a food ingredient per se but a bioactive phytochemical compound. It is not a source of macronutrients (protein, fat, or carbohydrate in a nutritional sense) or classical micronutrients (vitamins/minerals). As a flavone glycoside, it consists of the aglycone apigenin (4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone) conjugated with a glucose moiety at the 7-position. It is found naturally in chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flowers at concentrations reported up to ~3–8 mg/g dry weight, as well as in parsley, celery, and other Apiaceae family plants. Bioavailability: The glucoside form (apigetrin) undergoes hydrolysis in the gut by intestinal beta-glucosidases and colonic microbiota to release the aglycone apigenin, which is then absorbed; the glycoside form generally shows lower direct intestinal absorption compared to the aglycone but may have improved water solubility (solubility ~0.2 mg/mL in water vs. poorly soluble apigenin). Oral bioavailability is limited and estimated to be moderate-to-low (<10–20%) due to extensive first-pass [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); primary metabolites include luteolin, naringenin derivatives, and various glucuronide/sulfate conjugates. No fiber, protein, or lipid content is associated with this isolated compound. Standardized extracts used in research typically contain apigetrin at purities of ≥95–98% (HPLC grade). ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosages in humans are available. Preclinical studies used concentrations like 100 µM in vitro. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Safety data for apigetrin supplementation in humans is limited due to the lack of clinical trials. As a flavonoid compound, it may interact with medications metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Potential side effects and contraindications have not been established through human studies. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid apigetrin supplements due to insufficient safety data. ## Scientific Research Apigetrin's effects have been investigated only in preclinical settings, with no human clinical trials or meta-analyses available. Key preclinical studies include its effects on HepG2 cells (PMID: 37509167) and gastric cancer cells (PMID: 32559585). ## Historical & Cultural Context Apigetrin is isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, used for its [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. Specific historical usage of apigetrin itself is not detailed. ## Synergistic Combinations Quercetin, Resveratrol, Curcumin, Green Tea Extract, Vitamin C ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What foods contain apigetrin naturally? Apigetrin is naturally found in chamomile flowers, parsley, and other plants in the Apiaceae family. Chamomile tea is one of the most common dietary sources of this flavonoid glycoside. ### How does apigetrin work against cancer cells? Apigetrin inhibits the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, causing cancer cells to arrest at the G2/M phase of cell division. This leads to autophagy and programmed cell death (apoptosis) in hepatocellular and gastric cancer cell lines. ### What is the difference between apigetrin and apigenin? Apigetrin is the glycoside form of apigenin, meaning it has a sugar molecule attached. This structural difference affects bioavailability and metabolism, with apigetrin potentially requiring enzymatic conversion to release active apigenin. ### Are there any human studies on apigetrin supplements? Currently, no human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on apigetrin supplements. All research evidence comes from laboratory cell culture studies, limiting conclusions about human efficacy and safety. ### What dosage of apigetrin is recommended? No standardized dosage recommendations exist for apigetrin due to the absence of human clinical trials. Dosing protocols have only been established for laboratory cell culture experiments, not human supplementation. ### Does apigetrin have bioavailability limitations like other flavonoids? Apigetrin, as a glycosidic flavonoid, may have limited oral bioavailability due to its larger molecular structure compared to aglycone forms like apigenin. Gut microbiota can potentially cleave the glucose moiety to release free apigenin, which may enhance absorption, though human bioavailability data for apigetrin specifically remains limited. The presence of food and digestive pH may influence how much active compound reaches systemic circulation. ### What populations might benefit most from apigetrin based on current research? Current evidence suggests apigetrin may be of interest to individuals concerned with hepatocellular or gastric cancer risk, as in vitro studies demonstrate cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis in these cancer types. Those experiencing inflammatory conditions like otitis media or oxidative stress-related concerns may also benefit, based on animal inflammation models, though human clinical data remains preliminary. However, research is predominantly preclinical, so supplementation decisions should involve healthcare provider consultation. ### How does apigetrin's mechanism differ from other anti-cancer flavonoids? Apigetrin specifically targets the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to induce G2/M cell-cycle arrest and autophagy in gastric cancer cells, a mechanism shared with some other flavonoids but distinct in its precise molecular targets. Unlike some flavonoids that primarily work through single antioxidant pathways, apigetrin appears to engage multiple cellular processes including apoptosis induction in hepatocellular carcinoma, suggesting a multi-target approach. The glycosidic structure of apigetrin may also influence cellular uptake and target engagement differently than aglycone flavonoids. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*