Recent insights into the biological functions of apigenin

Abstract

Apigenin (4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) belongs to the group of flavonoids positioned on the backbone of 2-phenylchromen-4-one (2-phenyl-1-benzopyran-4-one) and is most extensively allocated in herbs, vegetables, and fruits. Biosynthetically, apigenin is obtained from the phenylpropanoid pathway and also from the flavone synthesis pathway. The pathway of phenylpropanoid begins from the aromatic amino acids L-phenylalanine or L-tyrosine, both products of the shikimate pathway. In several recent studies, it has been shown that apigenin has a number of valuable bioactive functions, including antibacterial, antiviral, antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiangiogenic, and anticancer activities. From the results of several in vivo and in vitro studies and clinical trials, apigenin has been shown to be an effective curative treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune disorders, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and several types of cancers. Here, we summarize the key findings of the biological and pharmacological actions of apigenin.