Can Apigenin Boost Longevity Through Biohacking?

Could a simple plant compound like apigenin help you live longer and healthier? As a flavonoid found in everyday foods like chamomile and parsley, apigenin is gaining traction in biohacking circles for its ability to preserve NAD+, reduce inflammation, and support sleep and  hormone balance—key pillars of anti-aging. This article explores apigenin’s role in biohacking longevity, backed by science, and offers practical ways to integrate it into your routine.

TL;DR

Apigenin, a flavonoid in chamomile, parsley, and celery, supports biohacking and anti-aging by inhibiting CD38 to preserve NAD+, a critical longevity molecule. It promotes sleep, reduces inflammation, balances hormones, and protects brain, skin, and heart health. Typical doses range from 50–500 mg daily, with liposomal forms offering superior absorption. Always consult a healthcare provider before supplementing.

Table of Contents

• What Is Apigenin and Where to Find It?

• Science Snapshot: Apigenin’s Biohacking Benefits

• How Does Apigenin Work in the Body?

• How Does NAD+ Boost Anti-Aging Through Biohacking?

• Top Biohacking Benefits of Apigenin

• How Does Apigenin Support Hormone Balance?

• Can Apigenin Improve Bone Health?

• How to Optimize Apigenin Absorption

• Apigenin Dosage, Timing, and Safety

• Conclusion & Biohacking Checklist

• FAQs

• Glossary

• About the Author

Science Snapshot: Apigenin’s Biohacking Benefits

Apigenin supports longevity through multiple mechanisms, making it a versatile biohacking tool:

• NAD+ Preservation: Inhibits CD38 enzyme to maintain NAD+ levels, supporting mitochondrial energy and DNA repair.

• Sleep Enhancement: Binds GABA receptors, reducing anxiety and improving rest, a cornerstone of anti-aging.

• Anti-Inflammatory: Lowers cytokines (e.g., IL-6, TNF-α), reducing chronic inflammation linked to aging.

• Hormone Regulation: Modulates cortisol and testosterone, promoting stress resilience and vitality.

• Antioxidant Protection: Neutralizes free radicals, protecting skin, brain, and heart from oxidative stress.

What Is Apigenin and Where to Find It?

Apigenin is a flavonoid, a plant compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, found in chamomile, parsley, celery, kumquats, red onions, artichokes, thyme, oregano, peppermint, red wine, and beer. These foods make it easy to incorporate apigenin into a biohacking diet, though high-potency supplements offer consistent dosing for therapeutic effects. For example, chamomile tea provides apigenin but in lower concentrations than liposomal supplements.

Biohacking Tip: Combine apigenin-rich foods like parsley with NAD+-boosting habits like intermittent fasting to amplify anti-aging benefits.

How Does Apigenin Work in the Body?

Apigenin supports biohacking through:

• Antioxidant Effects: Neutralizes free radicals and boosts glutathione, protecting cells from oxidative stress.

• Anti-Inflammatory Action: Reduces cytokines, easing chronic inflammation linked to aging diseases.

• Neuroprotection: Crosses the blood-brain barrier to enhance GABA signaling, promoting relaxation.

• Hormonal Balance: Modulates cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen, supporting endocrine health.

Preclinical studies highlight apigenin’s multi-systemic potential, though human trials are ongoing. Learn more about biohacking NAD+ benefits.

How Does NAD+ Boost Anti-Aging Through Biohacking?

NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) is a coenzyme critical for mitochondrial energy, DNA repair, and sirtuin activation—key longevity pathways. Aging increases CD38, an enzyme that degrades NAD+, while senescent cells amplify this loss via inflammatory SASP (senescence-associated secretory phenotype).

Apigenin inhibits CD38, preserving NAD+ and complementing precursors like nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). This makes it a powerful biohacking tool for anti-aging. Youth & Earth NAD+ Max has apigenin and  another ingredients like NMN, EGCG to boost NAD+

Biohacking Tip: Pair apigenin with NMN supplements and cold exposure to maximize NAD+ levels for longevity.

Top Biohacking Benefits of Apigenin

Apigenin’s versatility makes it a cornerstone of biohacking protocols:

• Sleep & Relaxation: Enhances GABA signaling, improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety (clinical trials).

• Skin Health: Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, aiding acne, UV protection, and wound healing.

• Antiviral Effects: Inhibits replication of viruses like hepatitis and influenza (preclinical data).

• Pain Relief: Lowers cytokines, easing IBS, migraines, and IBD (animal and human studies).

• Cancer Support: Promotes apoptosis and halts cell cycles in breast, lung, and prostate models.

• Cardiovascular Health: Lowers blood pressure via ACE inhibition and protects endothelial function.

• Brain Function: Offers neuroprotection, reducing oxidative stress in Alzheimer’s models.

Explore how apigenin supports hormone balance for additional biohacking benefits.

How Apigenin Supports Deep, Restorative Sleep

Apigenin promotes better sleep quality through multiple mechanisms:

Preliminary studies show apigenin shortens sleep latency and reduces nighttime awakenings, especially when taken 30–60 minutes before bed. These benefits make it a valuable natural addition to sleep optimisation protocols. Youth & Earth PM Sleep Dust contains numerous ingredients including apigenin to help with non groggy resotrative sleep.

How Does Apigenin Support Hormone Balance?

Apigenin regulates key hormones for midlife health optimization:

• Cortisol: Suppresses adrenal secretion, improving stress resilience and sleep.

• Testosterone: Stimulates Leydig cell production, supporting libido and muscle maintenance.

• Estrogen: Inhibits aromatase while modulating receptors, potentially aiding hormone-sensitive cancers.

Biohacking Tip: Combine apigenin with stress-reducing practices like meditation to optimize cortisol levels.

Can Apigenin Improve Bone Health?

Apigenin supports bone health, a critical aspect of healthy aging:

• Bone Formation: Enhances osteoblast activity, outperforming curcumin and resveratrol in defect repair studies.

• Mineral Density: Reduces cytokines linked to bone loss, preserving and restoring density.

Biohacking Tip: Pair apigenin with resistance training to support bone health and longevity.

How to Optimize Apigenin Absorption

Apigenin’s bioavailability varies by delivery method:

• Raw Plants: Low bioavailability due to gut enzyme breakdown.

• Standard Supplements: Moderate absorption, requiring higher doses.

• Liposomal/Nanoemulsion: Up to 5–10x better absorption, ideal for biohacking.

Biohacking Tip: Choose liposomal apigenin and pair with healthy fats to enhance absorption.

Apigenin Dosage, Timing, and Safety

• Daily Dose: 50–500 mg, depending on goals (e.g., sleep, NAD+ support).

• Best Timing: Evening for sleep benefits; daytime for general biohacking.

• Interactions: Monitor with warfarin, chemotherapy, or hormone therapy.

• Side Effects: Mild sedation at high doses (>30 mg/kg); rare otherwise.

Consult a healthcare provider before starting apigenin, especially if on medication. Learn more about biohacking safely.

Conclusion & Biohacking Checklist

Apigenin is a powerful biohacking tool for longevity, supporting NAD+ preservation, inflammation control, hormone balance, and multi-system health. By integrating apigenin with other anti-aging strategies, you can optimize your healthspan.

Biohacking Checklist:

• Diet: Incorporate apigenin-rich foods like chamomile and parsley.

• Supplements: Use liposomal apigenin for maximum absorption.

• Lifestyle: Pair with NAD+-boosting habits like intermittent fasting or cold exposure.

• Monitoring: Track sleep, stress, and energy to assess apigenin’s impact.

FAQs

How does biohacking with apigenin boost NAD+ for anti-aging?
Apigenin inhibits CD38, preserving NAD+ for mitochondrial energy and DNA repair, key longevity pathways.

Can apigenin reduce anxiety through biohacking?
Yes, apigenin binds GABA receptors and lowers cortisol, promoting relaxation and better sleep.

What foods are rich in apigenin for biohacking?
Chamomile, parsley, celery, artichokes, thyme, and red onions are excellent sources.

Is apigenin safe for long-term biohacking?
Yes, at 50–500 mg daily. Consult a doctor if on medications like warfarin or hormone therapy.

Does apigenin support testosterone in biohacking?
Animal studies suggest apigenin boosts testosterone via Leydig cell stimulation, aiding vitality.

Glossary

• Apigenin: A flavonoid in chamomile and parsley with anti-inflammatory and NAD+-preserving properties, ideal for biohacking longevity.

• NAD+: Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, a coenzyme for energy metabolism and cellular repair, critical for anti-aging.

• CD38: An enzyme that degrades NAD+, increased by aging and inflammation.

• Sirtuins: Longevity genes activated by NAD+, supporting healthy aging.

• Flavonoids: Plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, used in biohacking.

About the Author

Ed Van Harmelen is the founder of Youth & Earth and a passionate advocate for biohacking and anti-aging since 2017. He has been featured in numerous podcasts and wellness publications for his insights on longevity, biohacking, and the science behind supplements. Ed is widely regarded as a pioneer in bringing cutting-edge anti-aging tools to everyday consumers, making the benefits of advanced biohacking science both accessible and actionable. He is also the founder of optimallyme.com, a leading B2B health optimisation platform, and V14, an all-in-one longevity supplement.

Last Updated: Friday, August 1, 2025, 10:43 PM BST