Another Potential Sleep Aid Supplement (A... - Cure Parkinson's

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Another Potential Sleep Aid Supplement (APIGENIN) To Add To Our Sleep Aid List And More, As Relates To PD

chartist profile image
42 Replies

Previously I discussed the use of the trio, magnesium, zinc and melatonin as a useful sleep aid in the following link :

healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

More recently I have been testing Apigenin as a potential sleep aid and am finding it quite useful for that purpose and especially when combined with melatonin or other sleep aids. Their effects seem different, but complimentary toward each other. Apigenin is derived from many different fruits and plants.

Many people who have found melatonin useful for sleep have often reported that one shortcoming of melatonin is that oral melatonin is essentially done in about 5 hours and have consequently reported often awakening after about 4 to 5 hours of sleep.

What I found with Apigenin is it seems to extend that 5 hour sleep time associated with melatonin use, which is quite useful, imo. I have found that as little as 50 mg of Apigenin can help me sleep, but 100 mg of Apigenin is more consistent for sleep, in my case and the dose I generally use for sleep, whereas I sometimes use 50 mg during my waking hours.. I generally try to take it about an hour before I intend to go to sleep. I have not noted any addictive or other negative qualities with Apigenin use. Apigenin is typically sold in 50 mg or 100 mg capsules. Buying directly from Swanson Vitamins seems to be the least expensive option as they often discount it significantly compared to Amazon which doesn't seem to discount Swanson brand as much.

Warning

In studies it has been shown that Apigenin can synergize with aspirin to have anticoagulating effects in the blood. For this reason, if you are using any type of blood thinner, you should get your doctor's approval before testing Apigenin for sleep or any other purpose such as anxiety or Nf kappa b blocking effects.

Apigenin has shown other beneficial health effects in studies and Parkinson's disease might just be one of those that may benefit from Apigenin use as discussed here :

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl...

Here is a relevant quote from the link :

' This study represents the first demonstration that APi (APIGENIN), as the main bioactive ingredient of Lingxiaohua, may block the NF-κB pathway via triggering the PI3K/AKT pathway, effectively blocking inflammation-mediated damage to MES23.5 dopaminergic neurons. Results from cellular experiments also confirm the reliability of network pharmacology. '

Another major issue involved in PD is ANXIETY which can tend to worsen PD symptoms including tremor. Again, Apigenin is thought to have anti anxiety effects as discussed here in this new research (October 2024) :

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/393...

Here is a relevant quote from the research paper :

' Our results showed that SI stress caused an increase in anxiety and a decrease in spatial memory, sociability, and social preference index. In addition, SI stress increased hippocampal levels of IL-6 and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, whereas it reduced the hippocampal BDNF level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Our study indicated that Api attenuates anxiety and causes improvements in spatial memory and social interaction. These desirable effects of Api might be related to amelioration in the BDNF level, IL-6, and oxidative stress biomarkers in the hippocampus. '

In terms of sleep improvement, I would easily rate Apigenin in my top two or top three over the counter sleep aids including medical marijuana. It is a gentle non overpowering effect that Apigenin offers and it is now a regular supplement in my sleep armamentarium that I keep on hand. When combined with the melatonin, zinc and magnesium described in the first link, the synergy of the four becomes even more apparent. The anti inflammatory and antioxidant effects are useful also. There are many more potential health effects that Apigenin has been suggested to have in other studies, but I only highlighted a few that are relevant to this forum.

To get a better idea of the effect that Apigenin offers for sleep, read some of these over 1600 reviews which are very clear and straightforward :

amazon.com/Swanson-Apigenin...

Like most sleep aids, no one product seems to work for everyone, but based on the above reviews, Apigenin clearly works for the majority of users as it does for me.

I will be experimenting more with Apigenin and if I find other useful information I will mention it as a reply to this post.

Sweet Dreams!

Art

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42 Replies
gomelgo profile image
gomelgo

Thanks Art. Your link leads to something described as a "men's health" supplement. Is there a women's version?

chartist profile image
chartist in reply togomelgo

Apigenin is for both men and women. Here is the actual sale ad on Swanson's own website:

swansonvitamins.com/p/swans...

Art

gomelgo profile image
gomelgo in reply tochartist

Sadly not for vegans. Gelatin. yuk.

chartist profile image
chartist in reply togomelgo

Vegan version :

amazon.com/Nutricost-Apigen...

Art

gomelgo profile image
gomelgo in reply tochartist

thank you!!! Will look for a smaller amount to start. 180 is a long commitment to something new I have not heard of before. You rock Art!

chartist profile image
chartist in reply togomelgo

It doesn't get much smaller than this at just 30 vegan capsules :

amazon.com/Supplement-Biofl...

Art

gomelgo profile image
gomelgo in reply tochartist

I will let you know how it goes. How long does one need to take it to notice a change?

chartist profile image
chartist in reply togomelgo

For the purpose of improved sleep, I noticed the difference the first night.

Art

Gcf51 profile image
Gcf51

Researching apigenin: it may help with bladder control.

Have you noticed a decrease in night time trips to restroom? Have you notice any improvements in urinary incontinence?

chartist profile image
chartist in reply toGcf51

It is hard to say because I felt I was just sleeping better and for that reason, just not waking up to go to the bathroom because I was in a deeper sleep.

Apigenin has a rather large potential for a multitude of positive health effects that also includes cancer, cardiovascular disease, liver fibrosis, kidney disease as well as Alzheimer's disease to name a few big ones.

Art

Fumaniron profile image
Fumaniron

I've been using apigenin for years now for sleep. I'm glad to see that it may help with Parkinson's as well! Thank you, chartist

chartist profile image
chartist

You're welcome!

Since you've been using it for years with lots of experience now, I would be very interested in hearing exactly how you feel it helps with your sleep.

For me it allows me to go back to sleep fairly quickly if I awake during the night. It seems to add to the length of how long I sleep if I let it or I can wake up early and get going quickly if needed. Apigenin would be my first choice as a single sleep aid. I do find that 100 mg is more effective than 50 mg for sleep, but 50 mg clearly helped with sleep also.

I am currently testing 50 mg during the day because it has a calming antianxiety effect in me, but I have just started that and will have to test much longer to make a more informed determination on whether that effect will be lasting.

Interestingly, a recent study found that topically applied Apigenin had an effect on skin inflammation that was very similar to or possibly slightly better than the highly potent topical corticosteroid Clobetasol. To say that I am impressed that a topical herbal preparation can rival the anti inflammatory effects of one of the most potent topical steroids would be a huge understatement!

Art

Gioc profile image
Gioc in reply tochartist

hi Art,  chartist

It appears that Apigenin activates autophagy which in my opinion is very important to keep PD under control.

From you Art :” Since you've been using it for years with lots of experience now, I would be very interested in hearing exactly how you feel it helps with your sleep.”

Me too   Fumaniron , but also on the progression of your PD’s symptoms .

Thank you in advance.

Gio

chartist profile image
chartist in reply toGioc

Hi Gio,

Yes, Apigenin does induce autophagy as does melatonin and that is part of why they are both useful for fighting cancer among other things.

Art

Fumaniron profile image
Fumaniron in reply tochartist

sorry late getting back. I take it as part of the Andrew Huberman sleep stack (Apigenin, Theanine, and Magnesium Threonate.) He’s got many stacks on his website to conside. Of note, I don’t endorse Huberman’s misogynistic behaviors…. I find that I sleep better. I regularly try other sleep enhancers, but that’s a different long story. Good deep sleep, can get back to bed if awakened. I’ve been on Mucuna then a combo of Mucuna/sinemet/azilect/B1/Restore Gold and others since 2015 with minimal progression but it’s an everyday discipline for me. My best, always.

chartist profile image
chartist in reply toFumaniron

Imo, Andrew Huberman is a legend in his own mind and not worthy of my time or consideration, but your sleep aid combination sounds like a good one.

Art

Fumaniron profile image
Fumaniron in reply tochartist

Agreed with your opinion, for sure

Gcf51 profile image
Gcf51

I read one article that said good for bruising.

Gcf51 profile image
Gcf51

"Apigenin is lipophilic and can be deactivated in the acidic environment of the gastrointestinal tract, leading to lower bioavailability, which limits its potential use in healthcare products and functional foods (3)." pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articl....

chartist profile image
chartist in reply toGcf51

I'm not sure on the actual bioavailability of Apigenin, because at just 50 mg it acts to significantly improve sleep. Compared to other over the counter sleep aids, this is a relatively low dose with the possible exception of melatonin. Melatonin has shown to only have 3% bioavailability, which is quite low yet can help with sleep at a dose as low as 2 mg.

Art

Gcf51 profile image
Gcf51 in reply tochartist

Bio doesn't matter if 50 works unless it has side effects like levodopa.

Gcf51 profile image
Gcf51 in reply toGcf51

I asked AI Germine, how to improve absorption of Apigenin:

Apigenin is a fat-soluble compound. Consuming it with healthy fats, such as olive oil or avocado, can improve its absorption.

Sydney75 profile image
Sydney75

Looks promising.

chartist profile image
chartist in reply toSydney75

I like it and consider it to be the single most useful over the counter supplement for sleep that I have tried to date and even more useful when combined with others. Even the 50 mg dose once or twice a day seems useful for relaxation and possibly anxiety.

Art

Despe profile image
Despe in reply tochartist

Art, what about Melatonin, do you still take it at high doses? If so, you also take Apigenin for sleep? Hubby takes Phamagaba, Serotrex (L-theanine + 5- Hydroxytryptophan), and 5mg Melatonin about one hour before bed? Would it be safe to add Apigenin? In general, those three supplements work well most of the time.

chartist profile image
chartist in reply toDespe

Hi Despe,

Imo, apigenin is additive to melatonin and other sleep aids such as lemon balm, ginkgo biloba, ashwagandha, magnesium, valerian, hops, zinc, etc. and can extend the sleep range beyond 5 hours if desired. On the other hand If he is doing well with his current sleep regimen, perhaps apigenin would be unneeded for him.

Art

Despe profile image
Despe in reply tochartist

Thanks, Art! If present regimen stops working, I will have him try Apigenin.

Esperanto profile image
Esperanto

The daily intake of apigenin through our diet averages about 1 to 2 mg, but this can easily be increased by consciously choosing foods that are rich in apigenin.

Apigenin is widely distributed in the plant kingdom and is found in various vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Foods such as fresh parsley, spinach, celery seeds, green celery hearts, and dried oregano are particularly rich in apigenin. To a slightly lesser extent, it is also found in red and white sorghum, kohlrabi, oranges, kumquats, olive leaves, onions, wheat sprouts, red wine, tea, olive oil, and coriander.

However, dried parsley has the highest apigenin content of all vegetables and herbs, averaging 4500 mg per 100 grams!

Chamomile also contains a significant amount of apigenin, which may explain why chamomile tea works as a sleep aid for many people.

This is yet another reminder that a varied diet is crucial. Keep in mind that the more than 6000 different flavonoids in our food, of which apigenin is just one, cannot be matched by supplements…

ars.usda.gov/arsuserfiles/8...

Despe profile image
Despe

"However, dried parsley. . ." A must and plenty of it for Mediterranean cousine, right Gio? I use it for almost all meals that I prepare.

Gioc profile image
Gioc in reply toDespe

True  Despe ! In fact, here in the Mediterranean, which is the ancient home of all, we say that a person is like parsley, meaning that you find them everywhere.

Χαιρετισμούς από το σπίτι

Gio

Despe profile image
Despe in reply toGioc

Ανταποδὶδω τοὺς χαιρετισμοὺς, Gio. 😀 How are you doing my friend? I asked my sister to mail me parsley from home. It just tastes so different and better!!

Gioc profile image
Gioc in reply toDespe

”It just tastes so different and better!!”

Like everything else from our common home, the Mediterranean.

☀️☀️☀️

Camelia fioritura autunnale
Despe profile image
Despe in reply toGioc

Gio, such beautiful picture, is that from your garden?

Esperanto profile image
Esperanto in reply toDespe

Fresh parsley, as a strong second, contains 215 mg of apigenin per 100 grams. Due to the larger amounts used in cooking, the total intake of apigenin from fresh parsley can even be higher than that from the dried version, and it is also more flavorful!

Despe profile image
Despe in reply toEsperanto

Thanks for the insight, Esperanto. Some cultures have been using it for centuries without knowing any scientific evidence of its apigenin benefits, they were/are using it for adding flavor to dishes--one stone two birds, I think it's the saying??

Gioc profile image
Gioc in reply toDespe

Yes     Despe , Camelia sasanqua ( Theacee family ) is one of my favorites because it is easy to grow, blooms in the autumn , and is evergreen.

Never give up,

There will be a cure soon, the time is ripe.

Be ready and in the best shape possible.

southernliving.com/garden/c...

Camelia Sasanqua
Despe profile image
Despe in reply toGioc

Beautiful home for beautiful people like you, Gio, my good friend. Thanks for educating me on camelia. I am now seriously thinking about having them in my back yard. I will talk to our maintenance guy about planting those.

Gioc profile image
Gioc in reply toDespe

Too good   Despe ,

But forget the negative threads, they are so negative that they will self-extinguish like dinosaurs.

In my opinion Parkinson's disease is not a disease but it is a weak point that concerns about 200. 000/ 400,000 brain cells out of 18 billion.

Once this weak point is resolved in a couple of years, our brain would repair itself.

The more you know, the simpler the solutions are, …terribly simple for someone.

So never give up, things can change suddenly, even a random discovery is enough to make it happen almost magically.

Greetings from Italy

Gio

From artificial intelligence:

"The human brain is composed of about 86 billion cells, of which about 16 billion are neurons. Glial cells, which support and protect neurons, make up the majority of cells in the brain.

As for the substantia nigra, a specific part of the brain involved in movement control and dopamine production, it is estimated to contain between 200,000 and 400,000 neurons. However, the exact number can vary from individual to individual and depends on several factors, including age and neurological health.”

Despe profile image
Despe in reply toGioc

Very, very interesting Gio. Thank you! Guess there is hope, and I have been always optimistic. :) 😀👍

healthabc profile image
healthabc

OMG! It works!!!

I have tried EVERYTHING to sleep but nothing, not even THN/THC helps. Apigenin is amazing! Thank you for posting about this, You've saved my life! It worked from the 1st night. THANK YOU!

chartist profile image
chartist in reply tohealthabc

You're welcome, healthabc!

I am very glad that Apigenin worked for your sleep issue when other supplements didn't, even THN/THC! Your results sound similar to mine. It is now the first thing I recommend to friends and family when they ask me to suggest a sleep aid for them. Others have noticed that it seems to have an extending effect to melatonin in that many people notice that they still wake up too early with melatonin alone, but with the addition of Apigenin they manage to sleep longer. For me it does not have the addicting effect that I felt with high dose THC, which is great!

Art

Gcf51 profile image
Gcf51

Jujube is also a sleep aid with other benefits for PD too. healthunlocked.com/cure-par...

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