Down the Road
The stage may be set for apigenin to be included in formulations, because, in addition to the expanding body of evidence indicating its anticarcinogenic properties, recent work has shown apigenin's potential as an antiphotoaging agent.
Researchers focusing on identifying antiphotoaging compounds assessed the antioxidative activity and inhibitory effects on matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) of the extracts of a marine plant, Zostera marina L. These extracts contained apigenin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, chrysoeriol, and luteolin. All of the compounds were found to scavenge the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical and the superoxide radical. These botanical constituents are deemed to have antioxidative activity and inhibitory effects on MMP-1 expression, and are considered promising targets for inclusion in antiphotoaging formulations (Arch. Pharm. Res. 2004;27:177–83).
Conclusions
The great upsurge in research and interest in plant polyphenols in recent years has been characterized by greater understanding of these compounds' potential health benefits. The body of research on the phenolic flavonoid apigenin is relatively small, with the preponderance of data accumulating in the past 15 years.
Apigenin is found in German chamomile and is most likely to be included in dermatologic products featuring chamomile. It is also an active ingredient in propolis.
With its promising research profile indicating anticarcinogenic and antiphotoaging effects, in vitro and in vivo, much more research regarding this potent antioxidant is likely and warranted.