The protective role of apigenin in cardiac lesions
Apigenin, a flavonoid naturally present in chamomile flowers, could have particularly interesting effects on heart health.
This molecule, at the heart of recent studies published in Nutrients in 2023, has demonstrated significant beneficial effects on cardiovascular health.
- Antioxidant protection Apigenin: Apigenin acts as a powerful natural antioxidant, protecting heart cells against oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory effect It significantly reduces cardiovascular inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB pathways and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
- Cholesterol regulation Apigenin: Apigenin helps to lower total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-C, while increasing the beneficial HDL-C.
- Vascular Protection It improves endothelial function and the health of blood vessels, helping to prevent atherosclerosis.
- Reducing Hypertension Apigenin: Apigenin helps to reduce blood pressure and improve overall cardiovascular health.
- Protection Against Injuries It protects the heart against damage caused by ischaemia-reperfusion, reducing the risk of post-infarction complications.
- Benefits for diabetes Apigenin: Apigenin improves diabetes-related cardiac complications by regulating blood sugar levels and protecting heart tissue.
- Safety in use It has a favourable safety profile, with few side effects reported at the doses studied.
- Multiple Mechanism of Action Its protective action is mediated by several biological pathways, offering complete cardiovascular protection.
- Prevention of Fibrosis Apigenin helps prevent cardiac fibrosis and pathological cardiac remodelling.
What is apigenin and where can it be found?
L'apigenin is a natural flavonoid found in many everyday fruits and vegetables. This powerful compound, which belongs to the polyphenol family, is found mainly in parsley, celery, camomile and citrus fruit.
If you enjoy chamomile tea for its soothing properties, you're already consuming apigenin without knowing it! We've got it all an article presenting apigenin on our website, and another article about the benefits of apigenin for sleepDon't hesitate to read it!
How does apigenin protect our heart?
L'apigenin acts as a natural shield for our cardiovascular system thanks to its remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
This molecule plays a number of roles in protecting our heart cells, notably by reducing oxidative stress and regulating various cellular mechanisms that are essential to heart health.
Apigenin therefore acts as a fighter against free radicals, the unstable molecules that can damage our heart cells. Its action antioxidant is particularly effective: it stimulates our natural defences by increasing the activity of protective enzymes such as SOD (superoxide dismutase) and catalase, which are like our internal cellular "cleaners".
But that's not all! L'anti-inflammatory action of apigenin is just as impressive. It acts by reducing the production of inflammatory molecules. (such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) which, when present in excess, can contribute to the development of heart disease. It's a bit like putting out a fire smouldering in our arteries.
La protection of heart cells by apigenin also involves more sophisticated mechanisms: it activates cell signalling pathways (like the Nrf2 channel) which strengthen the resistance of our heart cells to aggression.
It's fascinating to see how a natural molecule can have such precise and targeted effects! But what is the scientific evidence for these beneficial effects? Let's take a look at the research that has been carried out...
What does scientific research tell us about apigenin and heart health?
Numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the effectiveness ofapigenin in cardiovascular protection. The research, carried out mainly on animal and cell models, is showing promising results in the prevention and treatment of various heart diseases.
The fight against atherosclerosis
A study carried out by Wong and colleagues in 2018 on hamsters fed a high-cholesterol diet showed that apigenin (60 and 300 ppm) significantly reduced the formation of atherosclerotic plaque. The researchers observed a lower total cholesterol and triglycerides in the blood, as well as an improvement in the elimination of cholesterol. Even more impressive, Clayton's team in 2021 demonstrated that oral administration of apigenin (50 mg/kg) in elderly mice restored endothelial function and reduced arterial stiffness.
Protection against myocardial infarction
The work of Quan and his team evaluated the effect of an apigenin derivative on rats subjected to cardiac ischaemia-reperfusion. (simulation of a heart attack). Administration of apigenin (50 and 100 mg/kg) considerably reduced the size of the area affected by the infarction and lowered the markers of cardiac damage. At "Dix", we find it particularly interesting that the researchers have identified the precise mechanism: inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, which is involved in inflammation.
Impact on diabetic cardiomyopathy
In fascinating research published in 2017, Liu and colleagues studied the effect of apigenin (100 mg/kg) in mice with diabetic cardiomyopathy. The results speak for themselves: a reduction in cardiac hypertrophy and improved heart function. The study also revealed an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes in heart tissue, which partly explains these beneficial effects.
Clinical studies
It should be noted that most of the studies available are preclinical, i.e. carried out on animals or cells in the laboratory. Clinical studies in humans would be needed to confirm these promising results, but current data are already very encouraging.
What questions do you have about apigenin?
Many of you have asked us about the practical effects of apigenin on cardiovascular health. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions, based on the latest scientific data available.
Does apigenin lower heart rate?
Yes, theapigenin can effectively reduce heart ratebut moderately and progressively. Another study, this time by Gao and his team, showed that the administration of apigenin (20 μg/h for 28 days) in hypertensive rats resulted in a significant reduction in heart rate, with no significant side effects. So yes, you're not a rat, but it could be particularly interesting if the same effect were seen in humans for mild tachycardia!
Can apigenin prevent and treat hypertension?
Research shows very encouraging results for the effect ofapigenin on blood pressure. In a study on rats (yes, always them) In hypertensive patients, apigenin not only reduced mean arterial pressure, but also improved overall cardiac function. It is particularly interesting that these effects are linked to improved blood vessel health. (thanks in particular to improved production of nitric oxide, a natural vasodilator).
Does apigenin interact with heart medications?
Caution is advised, as apigenin can interact with certain cardiovascular drugs. It can influence the action of anticoagulants and certain antihypertensives by altering their metabolism. (If you are taking medication, always consult your doctor before starting apigenin supplementation).
What is the optimum dose of apigenin to protect the heart?
Scientific studies generally use doses of between 50 and 100 mg/kg in animals, but the optimum dose for humans has not yet been clearly established.
Are there any contraindications to taking apigenin?
Although apigenin is generally considered to be safe in dietary doses, a few minor precautions are necessary. Pregnant or breast-feeding women should avoid apigenin supplements. Similarly, if you have a history of bleeding disorders, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
Conclusion: Why choose our apigenin for your heart health?
Scientific studies are unequivocal: theapigenin plays a crucial role in protecting our heart. That's why we're offering you a natural, effective solution with our APIGENINE.
Quality for your heart
Our product stands out for :
- An extract 100% naturalmade exclusively from chamomile flowers
- Optimum apigenin concentration, with no added synthesis
- Complete traceability from harvest to final product
- Scientifically proven effectiveness
Unlike many products on the market which use synthetic apigenin or whole plant extracts, our apigenin is extracted exclusively from chamomile flowers, guaranteeing optimal bioavailability and targeted action on your cardiovascular health.
Scientific publications on apigenin and heart protection
- "Apigenin improves hypertension and cardiac hypertrophy through modulation of NADPH- and cytokine-dependent oxidative stress in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus". (Study demonstrating the anti-hypertensive effects of apigenin) DOI: 10.1007/s12012-021-09663-0
- "Apigenin attenuates STZ-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy". (Research into the protective effects against the cardiac complications of diabetes) DOI: 10.1007/s11010-016-2913-9
- "Apigenin restores endothelial function by improving oxidative stress, reverses aortic stiffness and reduces vascular inflammation with ageing". (Study on vascular protection) DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00019.2021
- "Apigenin prevents abdominal aortic aneurysm through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway". (Research into aneurysm prevention) DOI: 10.1097/FJC.0000000000000810
- "Beneficial effects of different flavonoids on vascular and renal function in L-NAME hypertensive rats". (Comparative study including apigenin) DOI: 10.3390/nu10040484
- "Apigenin attenuates cardiac damage in diabetic rats through activation of the PPAR-γ pathway". (Research into cardiac protection in the context of diabetes) DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040756
