Apigenin is Best Natural Anti-Cancer Supplement
When first diagnosed with cancer, most people think the only options are traditional treatments. The reality is, natural strategies can be used instead of chemo or even to complement it. With this in mind, I wanted to create an article about apigenin, my favorite phytonutrient. As I will describe, apigenin is one of a kind, especially when it comes to its potential benefits for cancer.
In this article, I will cover the basics about apigenin, and all the ways it can potentially affect cancer. Also, I will cover common questions about using apigenin for cancer. Keep in mind, I am not making any claims about using apigenin for cancer. I am providing this article for educational purposes ONLY. Scroll down to get started!
Apigenin Crash Course
Apigenin is a flavonoid found in plants like chamomile, celery, parsley, and oranges. It has significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties. Until recent years, this substance was not available in supplement form. Now that it is, the only issue is trying to increase its bioavailability/absorption rate. Like other phytonutrients, this is the main factor that limits their potential.
Apigenin’s half-life is what distinguishes it from other anti-cancer compounds. While most phytonutrients leave the body within 4 to 6 hours, apigenin has been shown to last 11-81 hours in the body. The time it lasts depends on the person, the dosage, and other factors.
This extended half-life of apigenin is important because it allows you to maintain a therapeutic dose. Since apigenin can block many critical pathways necessary for cancer replication, this half-life is the main property that makes it stand out from the rest of the phytonutrients.
How Apigenin Affects Cancer
There are over 1500 studies on Pubmed alone about apigenin and cancer. I have listed the top 30 ways apigenin impacts cancer in the section below. Take a look below. It is quite impressive!
Induces Cancer Cell Death
Apigenin activates apoptotic pathways by triggering caspases and mitochondrial dysfunction, ensuring cancer cells self-destruct. It’s the ultimate self-destruct button that cancer cells can’t resist pressing, no matter how hard they try.
Halts Cell Division
Stops cancer cells in their tracks at the G2/M phase by inhibiting cyclins and kinases. It’s like putting a “closed for business” sign on cancer’s growth cycle.
Prevents Blood Vessel Growth
Apigenin blocks VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), cutting off the tumor’s blood supply. As a result, the tumor gets thirsty, withers like a neglected houseplant, and has no hope for a refill.
Stops Cancer Spread
Suppresses adhesion molecules and enzymes like MMPs, preventing cancer cells from invading new areas. It’s like slashing their tires before they can make a getaway.
Blocks EMT (Shape-Shifting)
Prevents epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which cancers use to invade tissues, by regulating proteins like E-cadherin. Cancer cells lose their disguise and can’t even sneak past unnoticed.
Reduces Inflammation
Apigenin inhibits inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6, calming the tumor-promoting fire. It is like the firefighter who crashes cancer’s inflammatory bonfire.
Neutralizes Free Radicals
Scavenges harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) and boosts antioxidant enzymes like catalase. Free radicals don’t stand a chance against this antioxidant superhero cape-wearing flavonoid.
Protects DNA
Apigenin prevents oxidative DNA damage and supports repair pathways, ensuring genetic integrity. Think of it as a security guard standing 24/7 outside your DNA vault.
Blocks Survival Pathways
Disrupts cancer-friendly pathways like PI3K/Akt, forcing cells into apoptosis. Cancer cells take a wrong turn down a one-way street to destruction.
Regulates Tumor Genes
Apigenin suppresses oncogenes like c-Myc while boosting tumor suppressors like p53. It’s like apigenin giving cancer genes a performance review—and firing the bad ones.
Boosts Chemotherapy
Apigenin enhances chemotherapy efficacy while reducing side effects, making drugs like cisplatin more effective. It gives chemo a pep talk while showing cancer the exit.
Targets Cancer Stem Cells
Disrupts Wnt/β-catenin and Notch pathways, targeting the root of cancer growth. Cancer’s mastermind cells lose their blueprints and crumble.
Inhibits Tumor Blood Supply
Stops new blood vessel formation by downregulating VEGF, starving tumors. No blood, no party, and tumors are left in the dark.
Blocks Tissue Invasion
Inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that cancer uses to invade tissues. Cancer tries to sneak in, but apigenin bolts every door.
Disrupts Mitochondria
Causes mitochondrial dysfunction, leading to cytochrome c release and apoptosis. Cancer’s energy plants go up in smoke, leaving no backup generators.
Fights Drug Resistance
Modulates P-glycoprotein to stop cancer cells from pumping out chemotherapy drugs. Cancer tries to cheat, but apigenin enforces the no-escape policy.
Inhibits Hormone-Driven Growth
Blocks hormone-related pathways like androgen receptors in prostate cancer. Hormone-driven cancers are told their VIP access is revoked.
Modulates Epigenetics
Alters DNA methylation and histone acetylation to suppress tumor-promoting genes. Apigenin rewrites cancer’s genetic script, crossing out its lines.
Reduces Oxidative Stress
Neutralizes ROS and repairs oxidative damage, keeping cells healthy. Cancer’s oxidative chaos gets downgraded to a dull whimper.
Prevents DNA Methylation Changes
Protects against harmful methylation patterns that activate cancer genes. It’s like putting “do not disturb” signs on healthy DNA.
Shields Healthy Cells
Apigenin protects normal cells from radiation while enhancing its tumor-killing effects. It makes radiation smarter, saving the good guys while targeting the bad ones.
Inhibits Carcinogenic Enzymes
Blocks enzymes like aromatase that fuel certain cancers. It’s like yanking the gas line on cancer’s high-speed engine.
Promotes Cancer Cell Autophagy
Encourages cancer cells to self-digest through autophagy. Cancer cells unwittingly eat themselves into oblivion—talk about poetic justice.
Suppresses Inflammation-Driven Cancers
Reduces inflammation in models like colitis-associated colon cancer. It snuffs out cancer’s inflammatory kindling before it can catch fire.
Targets Prostate Cancer
Modulates androgen receptor signaling, effectively suppressing prostate cancer growth. Prostate cancer gets benched with no chance to rejoin the game.
Induces Senescence
Forces cancer cells into a state of dormancy where they can’t divide. Cancer gets stuck in eternal retirement with no farewell party.
Works Synergistically
Apigenin effectively combines with other natural compounds, like curcumin, for enhanced anticancer effects. Together, they form the ultimate natural health squad.
Blocks Tumor Survival in Low Oxygen
Inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), which helps tumors survive low oxygen. Cancer cells gasp for air but find none.
Boosts Immune Recognition
Apigenin enhances immune cells’ ability to detect and destroy tumors. It puts a bullseye on cancer’s back for immune system warriors.
Prevents Carcinogen Activation
It inhibits enzymes that activate carcinogens, stopping cancer before it starts. Cancer doesn’t even get a chance to lace up its running shoes.
FAQ- Apigenin and Cancer
What is the best brand of apigenin?
I have tried a few different brands, but the only one I liked was Swanson Vitamins. It is very inexpensive and of good quality. If you are considering using apigenin, I would recommend this company highly.
Do you recommend apigenin over traditional cancer treatments?
I am not a qualified cancer expert, so I cannot recommend that. All I can say is each person has to make their own decision. Nonetheless, some studies support apigenin being used along with chemotherapy. The results show that apigenin can potentially make traditional cancer therapies even more effective.
Are there side effects to using apigenin?
If I was diagnosed with cancer, I would be taking plenty of apigenin per day. By doing so, it could produce some minor side effects. Taking high doses of apigenin could make you feel overly relaxed/sleepy, and you could experience loose stools. Keep in mind, apigenin is the main ingredient in chamomile that makes you feel so relaxed. Other than that, I have never seen anything else significant. Either way, it is a lot less harsh than traditional cancer treatments.
What doses of apigenin would you use if you had cancer?
It all depends upon the type of cancer that I had. The minimum I would start with would probably be 6-10 capsules per day of the apigenin from Swanson. Also, I would make sure to take it on an empty stomach. This dose comes out to roughly 500-800 mg per day. The highest I would go is 1000 mg per day, and I would make sure not to do this for longer than three months. I would also take a few days off here and there. After 3-4 months, I would get retested to determine progress.
Any other phytonutrients with better anti-cancer properties?
There are countless phytonutrients, so there have to be a few with more studies than apigenin. For example, they’ve shown that resveratrol, curcumin, sulforaphane, and EGCG have significant anti-cancer properties due to their effects on enzymes that cancer relies upon for cell division. Also, they block specific inflammatory pathways necessary for cancer survival.
Nonetheless, apigenin is still my favorite because of the many ways it can affect cancer. Most importantly, it has a half-life that is significantly longer than any of the other phytonutrients mentioned. This allows it to have far more potential in blocking normal cancer processes.
Conclusion- Apigenin Could be Novel Cancer Therapy
There are thousands of studies supporting the use of phytonutrients for cancer. Though there may be more studies on other compounds, apigenin has unique properties that others don’t. Not only does it stay in the body for days after the last dose, but it also positively affects cancer in over 30 different ways.
Apigenin may not be the silver bullet for cancer, but there is no doubt that it has great potential. If you or a loved one is struggling with cancer, look into apigenin further. From all of my research, the potential reward greatly outweighs the risk.
If you have any questions about using apigenin or cancer, get in touch. I’m willing to help, and blessed to have the opportunity.
Happy healing everyone!
Matt Nedin
Certified Holistic Nutritionist
EndSickness – Founder
Phone: (734) 846-8619
Email: endsickness@gmail.com
WhatsApp: +17348468619
