Chamomile tea is consumed in many parts of the world due to its relaxing and uplifting effects. One of its key ingredients is Apigenin, a flavonoid-based compound. Following consumption, it is rapidly metabolised and released into the bloodstream to exert its effects (1). It has the ability to bind to brain benzodiazepine receptors, where it can exert anxiolytic effects similar to pharmaceutical benzodiazepines, but without evidence of the often undesirable sedative or muscle relaxant actions of these drugs (2).
In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of patients with depression and/or anxiety, consumption of a 1.2% extract of Apigenin caused significant reduction in depression scores compared to placebo (3). Over long-term studies, such as a five-year double-blind randomised controlled trial, a significant reduction in symptoms of generalised anxiety disorder was observed in those with moderate-to-severe anxiety (4).
Apigenin is a calming nootropic which is presumed safe to use even at large doses due to its abundance in naturally-occurring plants (5).
Relaxation, Mood.
Central benzodiazepine receptor ligand.
50mg once daily.
One of the key active ingredients in chamomile tea.
Salehi B, Venditti A, Sharifi-Rad M, Kręgiel D, Sharifi-Rad J, Durazzo A, et al. The Therapeutic Potential of Apigenin. Int J Mol Sci [Internet]. 2019 Mar 2 [cited 2023 Apr 6];20(6):1305. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC6472148/
Viola H, Wasowski C, Levi De Stein M, Wolfman C, Silveira R, Dajas F, et al. Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects. Planta Med [Internet]. 1995 [cited 2023 Jul 13];61(3):213–6. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7617761/
Amsterdam JD, Shults J, Soeller I, Mao JJ, Rockwell K, Newberg AB. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) May Have Antidepressant Activity in Anxious Depressed Humans - An Exploratory Study. Altern Ther Health Med [Internet]. 2012 Sep [cited 2023 Apr 6];18(5):44. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC3600408/
Mao JJ, Xie SX, Keefe JR, Soeller I, Li QS, Amsterdam JD. Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial. Phytomedicine [Internet]. 2016 Dec 15 [cited 2023 Apr 6];23(14):1735–42. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27912875/
Wang M, Firrman J, Liu LS, Yam K. A Review on Flavonoid Apigenin: Dietary Intake, ADME, Antimicrobial Effects, and Interactions with Human Gut Microbiota. Biomed Res Int [Internet]. 2019 [cited 2023 Apr 6];2019. Available from: /pmc/articles/PMC6817918/
