Flavonoids are a large and diverse group of plant compounds that belong to the polyphenol group of phytochemicals. Apigenin is a flavonoid found in many edible plants. Apigenin belongs to the flavone subgroup of flavonoids and it has been shown to possess antioxidant activity, a function that is common to most flavonoids because of their polyphenolic structure. Evidence suggests that apigenin is able to accumulate in brain tissue, and to affect brain chemistry and in this way may elevate mood. It is interesting therefore that apigenin is found in a number of herbs that have been traditionally used as a medicine for their mood elevating properties. In particular, a number of apigenin containing herbs are associated with the treatment of anxiety. Common anxiolytic herbs containing apigenin include chamomile, ginkgo biloba, brahmi, passion flower and yarrow. Other plant foods, herbs and spices containing high concentrations of apigenin may therefore possess similar mood elevating effects.
Chamomile (pictured) is a common herb that contains high concentrations of apigenin. The apigenin contained within extracts of chamomile may be the reason for its anxiolytic effects. Apigenin is a flavonoid that belongs to the flavone group of flavonoids. Other flavones including chrysin, luteolin, baicalin, neptin, hispidulin, jaceosidin, cirsimaritin, cirsilinoel and eupatorin are also found in herbs with anxiolytic effects. In addition, a number of flavone derivatives including biflavones (ginkgetin, isoginkgetin, bilobatin, amentoflavone, sciadopitysin), which comprise of two flavones bonded together, are also present in anxiolytic herbs. Current evidence supports a role for flavones as anxiolytic agents, and their effects in many cases are comparable to the anxiolytic benzodiazepine group of drugs. However, whereas benzodiazepine drugs induce tolerance and confer serious adverse effects in users, herbal treatments containing apigenin and other flavones have an excellent safety record and are effective for long term use.
A number of studies have shown that apigenin possesses properties that may explain its mood elevating effects. Apigenin, like most flavonoids, is an antioxidant. Antioxidants can prevent the lipid peroxidation that may detrimentally affects brain cells. High intakes of antioxidants are protective of brain tissue, and therefore apigenin like all antioxidants may contribute to a general neuroprotective effect. Molecular studies also suggest that apigenin may accelerate the growth and regeneration of neuronal tissue and may also increase the complexity of neuronal connections. In addition, apigenin may also be able to bind to the same receptor as the anxiolytic and sedative benzodiazepine drugs. Evidence shows that this binding to the benzodiazepine receptor increases brain concentrations of the calming neurotransmitter GABA, and this then elicits an anxiolytic effect. Higher concentrations of apigenin are also able to induce a sedative effect, and in this way apigenin functions in a way comparable to diazepam (valium).
Eat Well, Stay Healthy, Protect Yourself
RdB
