Apigenin

A flavone with remarkable anti-cancer properties and NAD⁺-preserving effects via CD38 inhibition.

What it is

Apigenin is a flavone found in parsley, chamomile, and celery — but at concentrations far too low for therapeutic effect without supplementation. It has gained significant recent interest due to its inhibition of CD38, an enzyme that degrades NAD⁺, thereby indirectly supporting NAD⁺ levels relevant to cellular energy and DNA repair.

Why it matters

Apigenin works through multiple pathways: it inhibits CD38 (preserving NAD⁺), suppresses cancer cell proliferation, inhibits VEGF-mediated angiogenesis, reduces inflammation via NF-κB, and has shown apoptosis-inducing effects in multiple cancer cell lines. Its connection to NAD⁺ metabolism has brought significant attention from longevity researchers.

The evidence

Pre-clinical evidence is extensive across multiple cancer types. Dr. David Sinclair's lab (Harvard) highlighted apigenin's CD38 inhibition and NAD⁺ connection. Human bioavailability data is limited — apigenin is rapidly metabolised. Most relevant human evidence comes from chamomile consumption studies and early-stage trials.

This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice. Always discuss supplement use with your care team, particularly if you are undergoing active cancer treatment.

Dosing

50–200mg daily. Taking alongside quercetin or EGCG may improve bioavailability and provide complementary mechanisms. Chamomile tea provides approximately 1–5mg per cup — supplementation is necessary for meaningful doses.

Cautions

Limited human clinical trial data at supplement doses. May interact with blood thinners (mild anticoagulant effect). Some CYP450 interactions possible — review if on medications metabolised by CYP1A2.