Apigenin Dosage Calculator
A flavone found in chamomile, parsley, and celery. Acts as a potent CD38 inhibitor — blocking the primary enzyme responsible for NAD⁺ degradation — and independently shows anxiolytic, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties.
What is Apigenin?
Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid abundant in chamomile tea, parsley, celery, and oranges. In the longevity science context, its most significant mechanism is potent inhibition of CD38 — a multifunctional ectoenzyme that is the dominant NAD⁺ hydrolase in mammalian tissues, consuming the majority of cellular NAD⁺. CD38 activity increases dramatically with ageing and inflammation, and is a primary driver of the age-related NAD⁺ decline. Rajman, Chwalek & Sinclair (Cell Metabolism, 2018, PMID 29719390) identified CD38 inhibition as one of the most promising strategies for preserving NAD⁺ levels, and apigenin emerged from screening as one of the most potent natural CD38 inhibitors available — making it a rational adjunct to NMN or NR supplementation. Beyond CD38 inhibition, apigenin has multiple independent bioactivities. It is a positive allosteric modulator of GABA-A receptors (producing mild anxiolytic effects, distinct from benzodiazepines — no tolerance, dependence, or cognitive impairment). It inhibits the aromatase enzyme (CYP19A1), reducing oestrogen synthesis — potentially relevant for oestrogen-receptor-positive cancers and hormonal balance. It activates SIRT1 directly (complementing NMN/resveratrol's sirtuin activation), inhibits NF-κB (anti-inflammatory), and promotes neurogenesis via BDNF upregulation. A 2010 study demonstrated that apigenin protected neurons from oxidative stress and enhanced memory in aged rodent models. Bioavailability from chamomile tea is low (~0.5 mg per cup) — concentrated supplements (50–100 mg apigenin per capsule) are required for pharmacological effects.
How to Take Apigenin
**As CD38 inhibitor / NAD⁺ preservation:** 50–100 mg/day. This is the dose range used in the longevity stack context (NMN + resveratrol + apigenin). Consistent daily supplementation reduces chronic NAD⁺ degradation, amplifying the effects of NMN/NR precursor supplementation. **For anxiolytic / sleep support:** 50 mg before bed. Chamomile extract standardised to apigenin has been studied for generalised anxiety disorder and insomnia — a 2017 RCT (Hanus et al.) found 270 mg/day chamomile extract (approximately 3 mg apigenin) reduced GAD recurrence versus placebo. **Anti-cancer / hormonal balance:** 100–200 mg/day. These doses show aromatase inhibition and anti-proliferative effects in cell culture; clinical RCT data in humans is lacking. Always use the lowest effective dose for the intended indication.
Timing Recommendations
For CD38 inhibition and NAD⁺ support: take alongside NMN in the morning with a fat-containing meal (apigenin is lipophilic). For sleep or anxiety: 50 mg 30–60 minutes before bed. The GABA-A modulating effect has an onset of approximately 30–45 minutes.
Potential Side Effects & Safety
Apigenin has an excellent safety profile in all human and animal studies at dietary and low supplemental doses. At higher doses (> 200 mg/day), theoretical aromatase inhibition may reduce oestrogen levels meaningfully — potentially beneficial or detrimental depending on individual hormonal context. Very high doses in cell culture models show DNA strand break induction (a pro-oxidant effect at supraphysiological concentrations not achievable with oral supplementation). No clinically significant drug interactions have been established at standard supplemental doses, though CYP1A2 inhibition is possible.
Who should avoid Apigenin?
Hormone-sensitive conditions requiring oestrogen (e.g., women on HRT): apigenin's aromatase-inhibiting activity may reduce oestrogen levels. Pregnancy: insufficient safety data. Individuals on thyroid medication should note that apigenin may weakly inhibit TPO (thyroid peroxidase) at high doses.
Best Stacks with Apigenin
Apigenin is most rationally combined with NMN and resveratrol as the CD38 inhibitor completing the NAD⁺ optimisation triad. Combined with L-theanine and magnesium glycinate for a non-habit-forming sleep stack (apigenin's GABA-A modulation + L-theanine's glutamate inhibition + magnesium's NMDA antagonism = complementary sedative pathways).
Scientific References
All dosage recommendations are grounded in peer-reviewed research.
- 1
- 2Apigenin, a natural flavonoid, attenuates depressive-like behaviour in rats
Phytomedicine · 2008
Apigenin Dosage Calculator
Fixed dosage — independent of body weight
Your recommended daily dosage
Formula: 50 mg/day (CD38 inhibition / sleep) | 100–200 mg/day (anti-aging protocol)
Safety notes
- Take with a fat-containing meal for optimal absorption (lipophilic flavonoid).
- Aromatase inhibition at doses > 100 mg/day may reduce oestrogen — monitor if on HRT or hormonal therapy.
- Avoid during pregnancy — insufficient safety data.
- For NAD⁺ optimisation, combine with NMN: apigenin blocks CD38 degradation while NMN replenishes the pool.
This calculator provides general guidance only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement.