Flavonoid
Apigenin
A plant-derived compound with calming, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties.
KÖGN Health grades Apigenin as B (Moderate evidence) and rates it 3.8 out of 5.
Last reviewed · June 2026
Primary effects
- Reduced anxiety
- Improved relaxation
- Sleep support
- Neuroprotection
How it works
Modulates GABA activity and reduces inflammation, supporting relaxation and cognitive recovery.
Overview
Apigenin is commonly found in chamomile and is often used for its calming and sleep-supportive effects. It works primarily through GABAergic pathways, promoting relaxation without heavy sedation. While its direct cognitive enhancement effects are limited, it plays a valuable role in recovery and stress management, which indirectly supports performance. It is often included in evening protocols or stacks focused on sleep quality.
The evidence
Apigenin is a flavone found in chamomile, parsley and celery, with antioxidant and mild anti-anxiety activity in the lab. The cognitive interest is almost entirely preclinical — it binds benzodiazepine sites and shows neuroprotection in animal and cell studies — with little controlled human evidence. Its reputation as a calm/sleep aid rests largely on chamomile's traditional use.
How to dose it
There is no well-established human dose for cognition; supplements provide a wide range, and chamomile is the common dietary source.
When to take it
Acute-to-chronic — unclear given the thin human data.
Safety & side effects
Generally regarded as safe at dietary levels; concentrated supplement safety is less studied.
Who should avoid it
It may mildly thin the blood and add to sedatives — take care with anticoagulants and other calming agents, and avoid concentrated doses in pregnancy. The evidence base is preclinical, so keep expectations low.
References
Related ingredients
Graded entries that target the same cognitive goals.
Categories
Draft — the dose, safety and evidence notes on this entry were prepared from the published literature and are pending editorial and clinical review.
Educational information, not medical advice. The evidence grade is KÖGN’s editorial assessment of published research, not a health claim. Speak to a qualified clinician before changing what you take.