Therapeutic potential of apigenin in neurodegenerative diseases and brain health.
Therapeutic potential of apigenin in neurodegenerative diseases and brain health.
Where did the research take place?
The study site has not been established. Author addresses may differ from where the research occurred.
Amman, JO · Author affiliation
Faculty of Nursing, Hourani Center for Applied Scientific Research, Al- Ahliyya Amman University, Amman, Jordan.Location evidence
Samarkand, UZ · Author affiliation
Department of Neurosurgery, Pediatric faculty, Samarkand State Medical University, Samarkand, Uzbekistan.Location evidence
IN · Author affiliation · country only
Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Gokul Global University, Sidhpur, Gujarat, India.Location evidence
Bhubaneswar, IN · Author affiliation
Department of General Surgery, Ims and Sum Hospital, Siksha O Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar, 751003, Odisha, India.Location evidence
IQ · Author affiliation · country only
College of Pharmacy, Alnoor University, Nineveh, Iraq.Location evidence
UZ · Author affiliation · country only
Department of Psychology and Medicine, Mamun university, Khiva, Uzbekistan.Location evidence
ET · Author affiliation · country only
Salale University, Fitche, Ethiopia. biopolymer714@gmail.com.Location evidence
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Original abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are characterized by progressive neuronal loss and remain a major global health concern, largely due to their complex and multifactorial nature. These conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and Huntington's disease, involve overlapping mechanisms such as oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and impaired neurotransmission. In recent years, natural bioactive compounds have gained attention as potential therapeutic candidates. Among them, apigenin, a dietary flavonoid widely found in fruits and vegetables, exerts neuroprotective effects through multiple cellular pathways. This review highlights the potential role of apigenin in modulating key pathological processes in the central nervous system. Apigenin reduces oxidative stress by scavenging reactive oxygen species and activating endogenous antioxidant systems, particularly through Nrf2 signaling. It also exhibits anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting pathways such as NF-κB and MAPK, thereby lowering pro-inflammatory cytokine production and regulating microglial activation. In addition, apigenin supports mitochondrial function and inhibits apoptosis by modulating Bcl-2 family proteins and caspase activity. Its role extends beyond maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity to regulating autophagy and mitophagy and enhancing neurotrophin signaling, especially through the BDNF/TrkB pathways. Moreover, apigenin influences neurotransmission by balancing excitatory and inhibitory signaling and modulating cholinergic and monoaminergic systems. Despite promising preclinical findings, its clinical application remains limited due to bioavailability challenges and insufficient human studies.