Health functionality of apigenin: A review

Abstract

Apigenin is being used by humans in the form of plant extract for the treatment of a number of disorders and inflammatory conditions, until its discovery as a core compound. Apigenin, chemically known as 4′, 5, 7,-trihydroxyflavone is a yellow crystalline powder belonging to the flavone class, that is the aglycone of several naturally occurring glycosides. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. Numerous pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-toxicant, anti-cancer, etc., are attributed to apigenin. Research has shown that apigenin has numerous molecular targets involved in inflammation. Based on the in vivo, in vitro, and clinical trial studies suggested that apigenin is a potent therapeutic agent to overcome diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and various type of cancers. Delayed plasma clearance and slow decomposition in liver increases its systemic bioavailability, and makes it a strong therapeutic agent in pharmaceutical studies. In the present review, detailed accounts of the properties of apigenin have been discussed.