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Compound

Apigenin

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Apigenin. Chamomile/parsley flavonoid — GABA-A modulator and CD38 inhibitor for sleep and NAD+.

How it works. Positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A α3; inhibits CD38 (NADase) supporting NAD+.

What the research supports. 1 graded claims. Strongest: Reduces anxiety and improves sleep onset (limited).

How much to take. Typical dose: 50 mg pre-bed.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing.

Stacking. Pairs well with L-theanine.

Common forms. Available as Capsule or softgel, Powder, Sublingual or buccal, Liposomal liquid.

Key studies. 8 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried Apigenin. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

Apigenin. Chamomile/parsley flavonoid — GABA-A modulator and CD38 inhibitor for sleep and NAD+.

Molecular structureC15H10O5 · 270.24 g/mol

What it is

Chamomile/parsley flavonoid — GABA-A modulator and CD38 inhibitor for sleep and NAD+.

Food sources

Endogenously produced or biosynthesized moleculeStandardized pharmaceutical- or food-grade supplementCombined with cofactors that improve absorption or activity

Goals

Sleep QualityDeep Sleep (SWS)Anxiety SupportNAD+ Support

How it works

Positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A α3; inhibits CD38 (NADase) supporting NAD+.

Pathways

  • GABA-A modulation
  • CD38 inhibition

Effects

  • ↓anxiety and improves sleep onset decreases

What the research supports

Reduces anxiety and improves sleep onsetlimited

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
50 mg pre-bed
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodOptional
Best formMost evidence is based on the capsule or softgel form.
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Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Apigenin is generally well-tolerated at evidence-based doses
  • Mild GI discomfort (nausea, loose stools, or bloating) possible at higher intakes
  • Headache or transient fatigue reported by a small fraction of users

Serious

  • Discontinue and seek medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent, or include difficulty breathing

Medication interactions

Prescription medications (general)minor

Always disclose Apigenin use to your prescriber — additive, antagonistic, or pharmacokinetic interactions are possible.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

Common forms

  • Capsule or softgel
  • Powder
  • Sublingual or buccal
  • Liposomal liquid

Key studies

8 studies cited in total.

PubMed: Apigenin — Reduces anxiety and improves sleep onset ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Apigenin and "Reduces anxiety and improves sleep onset". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Apigenin — randomized controlled trial ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Apigenin and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

PubMed: Apigenin — meta-analysis ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching Apigenin and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Discussion

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