OnePin Peptide Library · Sleep
Apigenin
Apigenin (Chamomile)
Apigenin is a flavone (a flavonoid subclass) found in chamomile, parsley, celery, and many other plants. It has been used for thousands of years as the active compound in chamomile tea, traditionally for sleep, anxiety, and digestive support. In recent years, apigenin has gained interest in the longevity and biohacking community for its CD38 inhibition (preserving NAD+ levels), GABAergic activity (sleep/anxiety), and selective effects on hormone metabolism.,Apigenin's cellular targets include CD38 (the major NAD+ consuming enzyme that increases with aging), GABA-A receptors (benzodiazepine site), monoamine oxidase A (mild MAO-A inhibition), and aromatase (the enzyme converting testosterone to estrogen). The combination makes apigenin a versatile compound used for sleep, longevity (via NAD+ preservation), mild anxiolytic effect, and as a natural aromatase modulator.,Bioavailability of standard apigenin is poor (~3-5%) due to low water solubility. Phytosome forms and liposomal preparations significantly improve absorption. The Sinclair Lab popularized 'apigenin for NAD+ preservation' protocols at 50-100mg/day, and David Sinclair himself reportedly takes apigenin as part of his longevity stack.
Take in the evening (usually 30-60 min before bed) for sleep support and to align with NAD+ recycling cycles. Take with meal containing fat for better absorption. Phytosome forms have improved absorption with or without food.
Start here. Every protocol below is ordered lowest-first. Begin at the smallest effective dose, hold about a week to assess tolerance, and step up only if needed.
How it works
CD38 inhibition: Apigenin is a potent natural inhibitor of CD38, the enzyme that consumes NAD+ in tissues. CD38 expression increases significantly with aging, contributing to age-related NAD+ decline. By inhibiting CD38, apigenin preserves cellular NAD+ pools, supporting sirtuin function (SIRT1, SIRT3), mitochondrial health, and DNA repair. This is the basis for its inclusion in longevity protocols (Sinclair Lab popularized this).,GABA-A modulation: Apigenin binds the benzodiazepine site of GABA-A receptors, providing mild anxiolytic and sedative effects. This is the primary mechanism behind chamomile tea's traditional calming reputation.,Aromatase inhibition: Apigenin is a mild aromatase inhibitor (the enzyme converting testosterone to estradiol). Effect is modest compared to pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors but relevant for those tracking estrogen.,MAO-A inhibition: Mild reversible MAO-A inhibitor, contributing to mood support via increased serotonin and norepinephrine availability.,Anti-inflammatory: NF-kB inhibition reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production. COX-2 inhibition reduces inflammatory prostaglandin synthesis.,Antioxidant: Direct ROS scavenging and Nrf2 pathway activation inducing endogenous antioxidant enzymes.,Anti-cancer: In vitro and animal studies show apigenin selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells via modulation of PI3K/Akt, p53, and cell cycle pathways. Clinical evidence in humans is preliminary.,Neuroprotection: Reduces neuroinflammation, supports BDNF expression, and modulates glutamate receptor function in CNS.
CD38 inhibition: Apigenin is a potent natural inhibitor of CD38, the enzyme that consumes NAD+ in tissues. CD38 expression increases significantly with aging, contributing to age-related NAD+ decline. By inhibiting CD38, apigenin preserves cellular NAD+ pools, supporting sirtuin function (SIRT1, SIRT3), mitochondrial health, and DNA repair. This is the basis for its inclusion in longevity protocols (Sinclair Lab popularized this).,GABA-A modulation: Apigenin binds the benzodiazepine site of GABA-A receptors, providing mild anxiolytic and sedative effects. This is the primary mechanism behind chamomile tea's traditional calming reputation.,Aromatase inhibition: Apigenin is a mild aromatase inhibitor (the enzyme converting testosterone to estradiol). Effect is modest compared to pharmaceutical aromatase inhibitors but relevant for those tracking estrogen.,MAO-A inhibition: Mild reversible MAO-A inhibitor, contributing to mood support via increased serotonin and norepinephrine availability.,Anti-inflammatory: NF-kB inhibition reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine production. COX-2 inhibition reduces inflammatory prostaglandin synthesis.,Antioxidant: Direct ROS scavenging and Nrf2 pathway activation inducing endogenous antioxidant enzymes.,Anti-cancer: In vitro and animal studies show apigenin selectively induces apoptosis in cancer cells via modulation of PI3K/Akt, p53, and cell cycle pathways. Clinical evidence in humans is preliminary.,Neuroprotection: Reduces neuroinflammation, supports BDNF expression, and modulates glutamate receptor function in CNS.
What to expect
Days 1-7: Sleep quality, mild calming effect.
Evidence
Interactions & stacking
What's safe to combine, and what belongs in a separate pin.
Safe & synergistic
Keep separate
Pharmacokinetics
Storage. Store at room temperature (20-25C) in a cool, dry place. Protect from light and moisture. Capsules shelf-stable 2+ years.
Regulatory status
Classified as a dietary supplement in the US - no prescription required. Chamomile (the apigenin-containing herb) has GRAS food status. No FDA-approved medical indication for isolated apigenin.
Put it to work
Calculate, log & track
Open Apigenin straight into OnePin with your vial and dose pre-filled, then let it handle the syringe math and remind you before the vial runs out.
Open Apigenin in the app →Go deeper
The guide & community
The complete Apigenin walkthrough, real protocol discussion and coaching live inside the BlessUp community on Skool.
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