Herbs And Phytochemicals: French Study Shows Apigenin's Potential In Preventing And Treating Neuroinflammation

Herbs and Phytochemicals: Recent research from the Université de Franche-Comté-France, Université de Bourgogne-France, Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology Department at CHU-France, and Memory Resource and Research Center (CMRR), CHU-France, has shed new light on the potential of apigenin in combating neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation, a critical feature of numerous central nervous system disorders, is often linked with oxidative stress and cell death in neurons or oligodendrocytes. This Herbs And Phytochemicals news report delves into the study's findings, exploring the promising role of the phytochemical apigenin as a natural anti-inflammatory agent.


Apigenin and links with neuroinflammation in a variety of pathologies
 
Understanding Neuroinflammation
Neuroinflammation occurs when cells produce signaling molecules, such as cytokines, to alert the body to threats like infections, toxic metabolites, or autoimmune diseases within the nervous system. This process triggers a cascade of signals intended to limit damage. Targeting neuroinflammation is crucial in managing various pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. However, the challenge lies in determining whether neuroinflammation is a cause or consequence of neurodegeneration.
 
The Rise of Nutraceuticals
The quest for effective therapies has led researchers to explore phytochemicals - substances derived from plants offering medical benefits. Patients increasingly seek natural, effective, and safe treatments. Conventional therapies often fall short, are costly, and come with side effects. Human nutrition, particularly through functional foods or nutraceuticals, presents a viable solution for preventing and mitigating oxidative damage and inflammation.
 
The Power of Apigenin
Among the nutraceutical options, apigenin stands out. This polyphenol is abundant in various plants, vegetables (parsley, celery, onions), fruits (oranges), herbs (chamomile, thyme, oregano, basil), and beverages (tea, beer, wine). Studies indicate that apigenin exhibits multiple pharmacological functions, making it a potential therapeutic agent for inflammation and neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune functions, and even certain cancers.
 
What is Apigenin?
Apigenin (API) is a 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone, a type of flavonoid derived from phenylalanine and tyrosine via the phenylpropanoid pathway. In plants, apigenin exists in various glycoside forms influenced by genetic background, environmental conditions, and developmental stages. It is synthesized in the cytoplasmic surface of the endoplasmic reticulum, catalyzed by a series of enzymes.
 
Sources of Apigenin
Apigenin is widespread in the plant kingdom, both in edible and medicinal plants, making it a vital component of the Mediterranean diet. Significant quantities of apigenin are found in fresh parsley, celery, kumquat, and rutabaga. It is also present in herbs and spices such as oregano, mint, rosemary, sage, and thyme. Traditional medicinal plants like Scutellaria barbata and Castanea sativa are notable sources of apigenin. While there are many companies and brands selling apigenin supplements, Thailand Medical News would like to warn readers that most of these contain very minute amounts of real isolated or extracted apigenin and in most cases, they are not really bioactive and is a complete waste of money. Either try to increase your apigenin intake via the correct foods or if not actually buy real pure grade extracted apigenin which can be very costly for very minute amounts.
https://www.sigmaaldrich.com/TH/en/product/sigma/10798
 
Neuroinflammation and Its Impact
Neuroinflammation, the brain's immune response, aims to protect against injury, infection, and disease. It involves increased inflammatory signals from cells like microglia and astrocytes, producing cytokines, chemokines, and reactive oxygen species. While inflammation can lead to tissue damage and cell death, it plays a complex role in neurodegenerative diseases like multiple sclerosis and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
 
The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
The BBB is a critical structure in neuroinflammation, separating the brain parenchyma from circulation. It maintains cerebral homeostasis by limiting molecular diffusion and cell migration. Changes in the BBB can increase permeability, influencing neuroinflammation in various diseases.
 
Microglia: The Brain's Immune Cells
Microglia are the CNS's primary immunocompetent cells, crucial in neuroinflammation. They originate from embryonic sources and perform dynamic roles in maintaining brain homeostasis. Microglia can produce pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-1β and TNF-α, as well as anti-inflammatory ones like IL-10. They respond to changes in their environment through "on" and "off" signals, detecting neurotransmitter levels and activating immune responses as needed.
 
Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's Disease
In Alzheimer's, microglia and astrocytes play significant roles. Microglia produce TGF-β, aiding in plaque removal but potentially leading to neuroinflammation when dysregulated. The BBB's disruption in Alzheimer's increases inflammation and neuronal damage. Factors influencing neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's include genetics, gut microbiota integrity, aging, and systemic inflammation from conditions like obesity and diabetes.
 
Apigenin's Impact on Neuroinflammation
Apigenin's effects on neuroinflammation span various pathologies, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive disorders. Although no clinical trials specifically focus on neuroinflammation and apigenin, numerous studies highlight its potential therapeutic properties.
 
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
MS is an autoimmune disease characterized by the immune system attacking the myelin sheath around axons. Apigenin has shown promise in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibiting immune cell entry into the CNS. It modulates T-cell responses and shifts them towards regulatory T-cell phenotypes, potentially reducing neuroinflammation in MS.
 
Parkinson's Disease
In Parkinson's, characterized by dopaminergic neuron loss, apigenin has demonstrated neuroprotective effects in experimental models. It reduces α-synuclein aggregation, increases TH protein expression, and inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α and IL-6. Apigenin also modulates neurotransmitter levels and oxidative stress, improving motor deficits and cognitive functions.
 
Alzheimer's Disease
Apigenin has shown potential in Alzheimer's models by reducing Caspase-3/7 activity, preserving neuron integrity, and modulating inflammatory cytokine expression. It improves cognitive functions in animal models, decreases amyloid plaques, and enhances memory and learning. Apigenin also interacts with iron-binding proteins, offering therapeutic opportunities to control iron homeostasis and neuroinflammation.
 
Cognitive and Memory Disorders
Apigenin positively impacts cognitive functions and memory. In models of cognitive impairment, it restores histone acetylation, BDNF signaling, and suppresses neuroinflammation. Apigenin's antioxidant properties and ability to modulate neurotransmitter levels contribute to its neuroprotective effects.
 
Conclusion
Apigenin, a flavonoid found in various plant-based foods and beverages, holds significant promise as a therapeutic agent for neuroinflammation. Its multifaceted effects on signaling pathways, oxidative stress, and cell death offer potential neuroprotective benefits across different pathologies.
 
While further research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and evaluate its safety and efficacy in humans, apigenin represents a promising avenue for managing neuroinflammation-associated disorders. As a nutritional additive and complementary therapeutic agent, apigenin offers hope for improving the management of neuroinflammatory conditions, warranting further investigation to translate preclinical findings into clinical applications effectively.
 
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed International Journal of Molecular Sciences.
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/25/9/5041
 
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