Skip to main content
Supplement ScienceSupplementScience

Apigenin Side Effects & Safety

Evidence:Emerging
·

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Safety Profile

Overall safety rating: Generally Safe

Potential Side Effects

  • Generally well tolerated at typical doses
  • Sedation / drowsiness (intended effect for sleep use)
  • Potential concern for men: very high doses may inhibit aromatase and affect estrogen metabolism (theoretical at supplemental doses)
  • Mild GI discomfort (rare)
  • Allergic reactions in chamomile/ragweed-sensitive individuals (rare)

Drug & Supplement Interactions

  • Sedative medications — additive effects via GABA-A pathway
  • CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 substrates — apigenin may inhibit these enzymes at high concentrations
  • Hormone-sensitive conditions — theoretical aromatase inhibition at very high doses
  • Blood thinners — mild antiplatelet effects possible

Maximum Dose

Do not exceed: 100mg/day (limited human safety data at higher doses)

Full Apigenin Guide

References

  1. RCTAmsterdam JD, Li Y, Soeller I, Rockwell K, Mao JJ, Shults J (2009). A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  2. Meta-analysisZhang N, Nao J, Dong X (2025). Efficacy and Safety of Natural Apigenin Treatment for Alzheimer's Disease: Focus on In vivo Research Advancements.. Current neuropharmacology. DOI PubMed
  3. Ahmadzadeh K, Roshdi Dizaji S, Ramezani F, Imani F, et al. (2024). Potential therapeutic effects of apigenin for colorectal adenocarcinoma: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. Cancer medicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Meta-analysisSingh D, Gupta M, Sarwat M, Siddique HR (2022). Apigenin in cancer prevention and therapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis of animal models.. Critical reviews in oncology/hematology. DOI PubMed
  5. Meta-analysisRahimi A, Alimohammadi M, Faramarzi F, Alizadeh-Navaei R, et al. (2022). The effects of apigenin administration on the inhibition of inflammatory responses and oxidative stress in the lung injury models: a systematic review and meta-analysis of preclinical evidence.. Inflammopharmacology. DOI PubMed
  6. Muhammed TM, Jalil AT, Taher WM, Aminov Z, et al. (2024). The Effects of Apigenin in the Treatment of Diabetic Nephropathy: A Systematic Review of Non-clinical Studies.. Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry. DOI PubMed
  7. ReviewOlasehinde TA, Olaokun OO (2024). Apigenin and inflammation in the brain: can apigenin inhibit neuroinflammation in preclinical models?. Inflammopharmacology. DOI PubMed
Show 2 more references
  1. Mohsenzadeh-Ledari F, Delavar MA, Moghadamnia AA, Bekhradi R, et al. (2026). Effect of Matricaria chamomilla on the Quality of Life Among Women with Menopausal Symptoms: A Triple-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.. Journal of integrative and complementary medicine. DOI PubMed
  2. Ghaderi F, Abdollahi Mandoulakani B (2024). Investigation of the association between gene expression levels and phenolic compound content in the leaves of Sonchus arvensis plants under salinity stress.. Heliyon. DOI PubMed