Apigenin is a polyphenol. It is one of the flavonoids contained in many human foods. The anti-cancer properties of this compound have been extensively studied, and it even has anti-tumor properties that other flavonoids do not have.
Many fruits and vegetables contain this citrus aurantium fruit extract, especially celery, coriander, cabbage, and green peppers. Fruits that contain this flavonoid are cherries, apples and grapes. In addition, red wine and tea leaves such as chamomile also contain a certain amount of apigenin.
Like most flavonoids, apigenin also has anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-spasmodic effects, and has a certain antioxidant capacity. Research on its biological properties is extensive, especially the most research on its anti-cancer potential.
Some epidemiological studies have pointed out that the use of this compound can reduce the incidence of cancer. And there are many studies on the effect of this flavonoid on different types of cancer cells. In addition, there are some therapeutic effects involving its combination with chemotherapy.
As bioactive plant extracts, Apigenin and other flavonoids have caused widespread concern in one of the topics that it reduces the incidence of breast cancer. Some recent studies have found that women who regularly use apigenin have a lower incidence of uterine cancer. But these studies are only for apigenin, not applicable to other flavonoids. Apigenin is known to inhibit the growth of many types of cancer cells, such as colon cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, thyroid cancer, leukemia and pancreatic cancer.
There are different research results on the effects of apigenin on chemotherapy agents. Although this compound can kill cancer cells, some cells are resistant to apigenin. In a study of leukemia cells, it was found that this flavonoid can reduce the toxicity of the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin. This means that the use of apigenin will increase the severity of leukemia treatment with this preparation.
However, apigenin showed a positive effect in defending against breast cancer cells. This compound can increase the effectiveness of fluorouracil chemotherapy against cancer cells. From this point of view, the use of this plant compound is helpful for the treatment of breast cancer.