FlavonoidsApigenin

Apigenin enhances pentobarbital-induced sleep through chloride ion channel activation

Apigenin prolonged pentobarbital-induced sleep time in mice, similar to the GABA(A) receptor agonist muscimol. It also increased sleep rate and sleep time when combined with a sub-hypnotic dose of pentobarbital, and increased chloride influx in cultured cerebellar granule cells. Apigenin increased glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) expression but did not affect GABA(A) receptor subunit expression in the hippocampus.

Last updated: Jul 8, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Enhancement of pentobarbital-induced sleep by apigenin through chloride ion channel activation.

observational

Kim JW, Kim CS, Hu Z, Han JY, Kim SK, Yoo SK, Yeo YM, Chong MS, Lee K, Hong JT, Oh KW · Archives of pharmacal research (2012)

Participants: N/A
Duration: Not specified
Intervention: Apigenin (dose not specified in abstract) administered alone or in combination with pentobarbital
Outcome: Sleep time, sleep rate, chloride influx, GAD expression, GABA(A) receptor subunit expression
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Mice (primary cultured cerebellar granule cells and hippocampus)

Result:

PubMed: 22370792DOI: 10.1007/s12272-012-0218-4

Mechanism Graph

Apigenin binds to or modulates GABA(A) receptors
↓
Increases chloride ion influx through chloride channels
↓
Increases glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) expression
↓
Enhances pentobarbital-induced sleep behaviors

Limitations

  • ⚠Animal study; results may not directly translate to humans
  • ⚠Dose of apigenin not specified in abstract
  • ⚠No direct measurement of sleep quality or architecture (e.g., EEG)

Frequently Asked Questions

What is apigenin?▼

Apigenin is a natural flavonoid compound found in plants like chamomile, parsley, and celery, known for potential sedative and anxiolytic effects.

How does apigenin enhance sleep?▼

Apigenin enhances sleep by activating chloride ion channels, likely through GABA(A) receptors, increasing chloride influx and potentiating the effects of pentobarbital.

Is apigenin safe for human use?▼

This study was conducted in mice, so human safety and efficacy are not established. Apigenin is generally considered safe in dietary amounts, but high doses may have unknown effects.

Does apigenin affect GABA receptor expression?▼

No, apigenin did not affect the expression of GABA(A) receptor α-, β-, or γ-subunits in the mouse hippocampus, unlike pentobarbital.

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References

  1. 1.Kim JW, Kim CS, Hu Z, Han JY, Kim SK, Yoo SK, Yeo YM, Chong MS, Lee K, Hong JT, Oh KW. "Enhancement of pentobarbital-induced sleep by apigenin through chloride ion channel activation.." Archives of pharmacal research, 2012. PMID: 22370792 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-012-0218-4
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.