Apigenin
Also known as: 4',5,7-trihydroxyflavone, chamomile flavone, apigenin 98%
Apigenin is a flavone found in chamomile, parsley, and celery and is considered the main calming constituent of chamomile tea. Isolated apigenin, usually 98% pure from chamomile or celery seed, is used in sleep and relaxation formulas and in some longevity stacks for its reported CD38 inhibition in vitro. Human evidence comes mainly from chamomile extract trials rather than isolated apigenin, so the common 50 mg dose is a market convention rather than a trial-derived figure.
Research summary
Binds GABA-A receptors at the benzodiazepine site with mild affinity; inhibits CD38 in vitro; general antioxidant flavone.
Dosage
Daily amounts, of compound.
| Lowest studied | Typical range | Highest studied | Upper limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| — | 50 mg | — | — |
50 mg of isolated apigenin before bed is the standard market dose. The chamomile insomnia RCT used 270 mg standardized chamomile extract twice daily, which delivers far less apigenin than isolated products. No RCT of isolated apigenin at 50 mg has been published, so confidence is low. Poorly water-soluble; a fat-containing meal may help.
Standardization: ≥98% apigenin
Source material: chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) flower or celery seed extract
Format suitability
- Capsule
- Powder
- Tablet
- Softgel
- Gummy
- Liquid
Yellow, water-insoluble powder with a small dose; blends easily into capsules, tablets, and gummies.
Formulation notes
Additive sedation possible with other GABAergic sleep ingredients; may inhibit CYP2C9 and CYP3A4 in vitro.
Sources
Related ingredients
Magnesium Glycinate
MineralA chelated form of magnesium bound to the amino acid glycine.
Typical: 200–350 mg
Ashwagandha Root Extract (KSM-66)
BotanicalA branded, root-only ashwagandha extract standardized to at least 5% withanolides.
Typical: 300–600 mg
Ashwagandha Root Extract (≥5% Withanolides)
BotanicalA generic, non-branded ashwagandha root extract standardized to at least 5% withanolides.
Typical: 300–600 mg
L-Theanine
Amino acidAn amino acid found naturally in green tea that promotes a calm, focused state without sedation.
Typical: 100–200 mg
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum)
MushroomReishi is a woody polypore used for centuries in East Asian herbal traditions and now sold mainly as a hot-water or dual extract of the fruiting body.
Typical: 1,000–1,500 mg