Apigenin is a natural flavonoid that may have several health benefits for women. While apigenin is mainly associated with chamomile flowers and its ability to support relaxation and sleep, apigenin offers antioxidant benefits to support healthy aging, hormonal balance, and skin care benefits [1,2].
You can find apigenin in foods like chamomile flowers and parsley, but pure apigenin supplements will provide the most reliable higher concentration of this natural compound. It's important that you carefully source your apigenin supplements. Look for naturally derived apigenin over synthetic apigenin or extracts with impurities, which could reduce the effectiveness or introduce unwanted compounds.
That being said, those who are pregnant, nursing, or on hormone-related medications should first speak with their healthcare provider before starting a prolonged dietary apigenin supplement.
Can Women Take Apigenin?
Yes, women can take apigenin. Dietary apigenin from food sources is generally well-tolerated and has been consumed for centuries without known adverse effects. However, supplements tend to have much higher concentrations than in nature, so you must be a little more careful with dosing.
Daily apigenin in doses of 50-300 mg is safe for most people, but if you're nursing, pregnant, or on certain medications such as blood thinners, sedatives, anti-anxiety meds, or hormone therapy, you should speak with your healthcare professional for personalized advice.
What Will Women Expect When Taking Apigenin?
Many women report feeling calmer and more at ease after adding apigenin to their routine. Some people take it in the evening as part of their nightly routine to support their sleep quality.
Women who add apigenin into their routine may notice a sense of relaxation, as this flavonoid is naturally present in chamomile, which has been traditionally used for its calming properties.
Eating apigenin-rich foods like chamomile tea, parsley, and celery is one way to include it in your diet. If you prefer a more concentrated source, apigenin supplements, like those from Neurogan Health, provide 100 mg in a single capsule.
While there isn't as much research in this area, some women find that taking apigenin regularly helps their skin and gut health.
How Long Does it Take To Notice Effects of Apigenin?
Some women may feel relaxed or sleepy after taking an apigenin supplement within 30-60 minutes. Within a few weeks of consistent use, some people report better stress resilience and skin improvements.
Does Apigenin Increase Estrogen?
Some research suggests that apigenin may interact with estrogen receptors, but its effects still aren't clear [3]. Apigenin has been found to positively impact ovarian and reproductive states, including regulating ovarian function and supporting healthy fertility [4].
Apigenin doesn't act like estrogen in the body in the same way as other phytoestrogens, like those found in soy. Instead, it has a more complex role in supporting healthy hormonal activity, but to better understand this, we'd need human clinical trials.
Women interested in natural menopause support may find apigenin beneficial for its calming and immune-supporting properties.
Is Apigenin for Women Safe During Pregnancy?
There's limited research on the safety of apigenin supplementation during pregnancy.
Even though apigenin is naturally found in foods like chamomile, celery, and parsley, these concentrated forms in supplements haven't been studied in pregnant people. It's worth mentioning that some herbal sources of apigenin (like in chamomile tea) have been traditionally used with caution during pregnancy because of its potential effects on uterine contractions.
It's better to err on the safe and consult with your healthcare professional before taking apigenin during pregnancy.
Benefits of Apigenin for Female Reproductive Health
Apigenin may support various aspects of female reproductive health due to its natural properties that support relaxation, antioxidant protection, and hormone regulation. Please remember that apigenin supplements on the market are only that — supplements — and not drugs meant to treat any health condition.
Overall, apigenin supplements are used for:
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Relaxation & Sleep: Apigenin interacts with receptors in the body that promote a sense of calm, which may be helpful for stress management and sleep support.
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Antioxidant Support: Apigenin may help protect cells from oxidative stress, which may contribute to overall reproductive wellness.
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Menstrual Comfort: Some research suggests that flavonoids like apigenin may help support a balanced inflammatory response, which could benefit menstrual health.
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Hormonal Balance: While not a direct phytoestrogen, apigenin has been studied for its interaction with estrogen receptors, indicating a potential role in hormone modulation.
If you want to introduce apigenin into your wellness routine, dietary sources like chamomile tea or extract, parsley, and celery provide natural intake. For a more concentrated option, our apigenin supplements with 100 mg per capsule deliver a safe, reliable, and effective source.
Resources:
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Salehi, B., Venditti, A., Sharifi-Rad, M., Kręgiel, D., Sharifi-Rad, J., Durazzo, A., ... & Martins, N. (2019). The therapeutic potential of apigenin. International journal of molecular sciences, 20(6), 1305.
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Sirotkin, A. V., & Harrath, A. H. (2024). Apigenin as a Promising Agent for Enhancing Female Reproductive Function and Treating Associated Disorders. Biomedicines, 12(10), 2405.
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Yao, L., Fan, Z., Han, S., Sun, N., & Che, H. (2021). Apigenin acts as a partial agonist action at estrogen receptors in vivo. European Journal of Pharmacology, 906, 174175.
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Sirotkin, A. V., & Harrath, A. H. (2024). Apigenin as a Promising Agent for Enhancing Female Reproductive Function and Treating Associated Disorders. Biomedicines, 12(10), 2405.
