Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Apigenin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in various plants, including chamomile, parsley, and celery. Its use to support the GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) system is primarily based on scientific research, although much of the evidence comes from preclinical (animal and in vitro) studies. Apigenin has been shown to bind to benzodiazepine receptors on the GABA_A receptor complex, which is the same site targeted by many anxiolytic and sedative drugs. Several studies suggest that apigenin can enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, leading to calming and anxiolytic effects in animal models. For example, research has demonstrated that apigenin can induce anxiolytic and mild sedative effects in mice, effects that are reversed by flumazenil, a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, indicating action at GABA_A receptors (Viola et al., 1995). However, robust clinical trials in humans are lacking. While these mechanistic and animal studies support the plausibility of apigenin’s action on the GABA system, the direct evidence for its efficacy in humans is still preliminary. Therefore, the evidence is rated as moderate (3/5), reflecting promising preclinical data but limited clinical validation.

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