Having enough sleep is part of a healthy lifestyle. A good night’s sleep can enhance mood, focus, and memory. Recently, researchers have been eyeing a natural substance that might help patients to improve their sleep called apigenin. It is a flavonoid present in some plants, most abundant in chamomile teas. But some may ask, “does apigenin help with sleep?”
It can be a good topic to focus on as all of us want to have a good night’s sleep to face the next day feeling energized and refreshed. Yet, a lot of people are having concerns about getting good sleep, which we commonly refer to as insomnia. People with insomnia may not only experience a lack of sleep but may also feel tired throughout the day, affecting their productivity.
But the good news is that different techniques would help a person improve sleep. These techniques include natural remedies, sleeping pills, and proper sleep hygiene. You may be more familiar with apigenin as it is common in teas, specifically, chamomile teas. In this post, let’s look at apigenin and its potential role in improving one’s sleep.
Table of Contents
What is Apigenin?
A bioflavonoid compound called apigenin, or more specifically a flavone is present in a wide range of plants and herbs. It is particularly common in chamomile tea and has calming effects when ingested in large amounts. It might act as a sedative at even higher doses. 68% of flavonoids found in chamomile plants’ flowers are made up of apigenin [1]. Some key health benefits it offers are reduced inflammation and improved cardiovascular health [2].
Studies suggest that this plant compound can fight cancer and has anti-inflammatory properties [3 4]. Recent studies have also linked apigenin to improving sleep based on research conducted on mice.
The Connection Between Apigenin and Sleep
Animal research suggested that apigenin has sedative properties [5]. People with insomnia may already be familiar with sleep aids prescribed by their doctors, but because of the potential benefit it offers, this natural plant compound might be an alternative in the near future. But what makes this plant compound work and improve one’s sleep? Let’s look at their connection below.
2. It may lengthen sleep time and decrease wakefulness
According to the study, apigenin-treated mice had longer average sleep times and reduced feelings of wakefulness. These rats had better sleep patterns and more slow-wave sleep, a deep sleep stage critical for memory preservation and physical recovery.
Most studies are animal-based, but a few studies on humans show promising results. In one study, those who drank chamomile tea helped improve their insomnia [6]. Chamomile is known to be rich in flavonoids, most of which are apigenin.
2. It may help patients sleep better and faster
In a separate study, taking these natural plant supplements and other natural remedies helped patients sleep better and fall asleep faster [7]. This might be why some people feel sleepy after drinking a cup of chamomile tea or improving their sleep.
How Does Apigenin Works in the Body?
Apigenin helps people sleep better, but how does it help happen? The answer to this remains unclear. But it is also noteworthy that this plant substance may interact with specific brain receptors that control sleep, according to some studies [5]. According to one study, it binds to the same benzodiazepine receptors that some prescription sleep aids like Valium and Xanax connect to [8]. This shows that apigenin might help people fall asleep similarly to these medications.
Another way that this natural plant substance may improve sleep is by stimulating the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and sleep [9]. A study showed that neurotransmitter levels in mouse brain cells increased due to apigenin intake, resulting in better sleep in mice [10].
Is Apigenin Safe?
Generally, it is considered safe when taken in meals or supplements at recommended dosages. However, apigenin as a supplement has yet to have a recommended dosage. Additionally, more information is needed about its long-term safety.
This means that additional study is essential to establish the ideal dosage and course of treatment for patients who seek to use this as part of their sleep medication. Healthcare professional consultation is still necessary before taking the supplements as it may interfere with some drugs, including blood thinners and antidepressants.
Conclusion
In conclusion, apigenin has been getting attention in the healthcare industry, showing promising benefits as a natural sleep supplement. Some benefits found in animal research are lengthening and improving sleep. Meanwhile, human studies showed that chamomile tea and a combination of natural substances containing apigenin might also provide the same benefits for patients with insomnia.
Some common theories about how apigenin works are that it interacts with specific brain receptors and boosts the production of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep and relaxation. However, the detailed process of how this plant compound promotes sleep is unclear. Foods containing apigenin are safe for human consumption, but further study is a must to measure the recommended dosages of these supplements.
Disclaimer: This article is only a guide. It does not substitute the advice given by your healthcare professional. Before making any health-related decision, consult your healthcare professional.
Editorial References And Fact-Checking
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- Rees A, Dodd GF, Spencer JPE. The Effects of Flavonoids on Cardiovascular Health: A Review of Human Intervention Trials and Implications for Cerebrovascular Function. Nutrients. 2018 Dec 1;10(12):1852. doi: 10.3390/nu10121852. PMID: 30513729; PMCID: PMC6315948.
- Yan X, Qi M, Li P, Zhan Y, Shao H. Apigenin in cancer therapy: anti-cancer effects and mechanisms of action. Cell Biosci. 2017 Oct 5;7:50. doi: 10.1186/s13578-017-0179-x. PMID: 29034071; PMCID: PMC5629766.
- Salehi B, Venditti A, Sharifi-Rad M, Kręgiel D, Sharifi-Rad J, Durazzo A, Lucarini M, Santini A, Souto EB, Novellino E, Antolak H, Azzini E, Setzer WN, Martins N. The Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin. Int J Mol Sci. 2019 Mar 15;20(6):1305. doi: 10.3390/ijms20061305. PMID: 30875872; PMCID: PMC6472148.
- Gazola, A. C., Costa, G. M., Castellanos, L., Ramos, F. A., Reginatto, F. H., Lima, T. C. M. de ., & Schenkel, E. P.. (2015). Involvement of GABAergic pathway in the sedative activity of apigenin, the main flavonoid from Passiflora quadrangularispericarp. Revista Brasileira De Farmacognosia, 25(Rev. bras. farmacogn., 2015 25(2)), 158–163. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bjp.2015.03.009
- Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with bright future. Mol Med Rep. 2010 Nov 1;3(6):895-901. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2010.377. PMID: 21132119; PMCID: PMC2995283.
- Hieu TH, Dibas M, Surya Dila KA, Sherif NA, Hashmi MU, Mahmoud M, Trang NTT, Abdullah L, Nghia TLB, Y MN, Hirayama K, Huy NT. Therapeutic efficacy and safety of chamomile for state anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, insomnia, and sleep quality: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized trials and quasi-randomized trials. Phytother Res. 2019 Jun;33(6):1604-1615. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6349. Epub 2019 Apr 21. PMID: 31006899.
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