Apigenin is a naturally occurring flavone compound widely found in many plants, fruits, vegetables, and botanical materials. It is valued for its defined flavonoid structure, light yellow appearance, antioxidant-positioned profile, and broad application potential in dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical research, nutraceutical research, analytical standards, and specialty formulations.
Apigenin, also known as 4′,5,7-trihydroxyflavone, belongs to the flavonoid family. It is commonly associated with botanical sources such as chamomile, parsley, celery, and other plant materials. In commercial applications, Apigenin may be supplied as a purified flavone compound or as part of a botanical extract depending on product grade and customer requirements.
Key Product Information
| Attribute | Description |
| Product Name | Apigenin |
| Chemical Name | 4′,5,7-Trihydroxyflavone |
| Synonyms | Apigenin, Apigenol, 5,7-Dihydroxy-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one |
| INCI Name | APIGENIN |
| CAS Number | 520-36-5 |
| EC Number | 208-292-3 |
| Molecular Formula | C15H10O5 |
| Molecular Weight | 270.24 g/mol |
| Appearance | Light yellow to yellow fine powder, depending on specification |
| Main Components | Apigenin |
| Main Function | Flavonoid compound, antioxidant-positioned ingredient, cosmetic ingredient, research compound, botanical active, analytical reference material |
| Typical Use Areas | Dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical research, nutraceutical research, analytical standards, botanical formulas, and specialty formulations |
PubChem identifies Apigenin with molecular formula C15H10O5. Sigma-Aldrich lists Apigenin under CAS 520-36-5, EC 208-292-3, and molecular weight 270.24 g/mol. The European Commission CosIng database lists APIGENIN as an INCI ingredient with CAS 520-36-5 and EC 208-292-3.
Key Features
| Feature | Benefit |
| Naturally occurring flavone | Suitable for botanical, plant-based, and flavonoid-positioned product concepts |
| Defined active compound | Useful for standardized formulas and research applications |
| Light yellow powder form | Convenient for capsules, tablets, powders, premixes, and laboratory use |
| Antioxidant-positioned profile | Supports formulations focused on plant polyphenols and flavonoid benefits |
| Broad application potential | Suitable for supplements, cosmetics, personal care, R&D, and specialty products |
| Recognized INCI ingredient | Can be used in cosmetic ingredient labeling where permitted |
| Customizable specifications | Can be supplied according to purity, particle size, botanical source, assay, packaging, and customer requirements |
Typical Applications
Dietary Supplements
Apigenin is suitable for capsules, tablets, granules, drink powders, botanical blends, and wellness formulations. It can be used in products positioned around flavonoids, plant polyphenols, antioxidant support, botanical nutrition, relaxation-focused concepts, and plant-derived active ingredients.
Functional Food and Beverage
Apigenin may be used in suitable food and beverage applications such as functional powders, wellness drinks, botanical beverages, nutrition blends, instant drink mixes, and plant-based functional formulas, subject to local food regulations. Final suitability depends on product grade, solubility, dosage, processing conditions, and permitted-use status in the destination market.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
Apigenin can be used in cosmetic and personal care formulations where a flavonoid-based, antioxidant-positioned, or botanical active concept is desired. It may be suitable for creams, lotions, serums, toners, masks, gels, scalp-care products, and specialty skincare formulations, depending on local cosmetic regulations and final formulation requirements.
Botanical Active and Antioxidant-Positioned Systems
Because Apigenin contains multiple phenolic hydroxyl groups and a flavone backbone, it is suitable for formulations where plant polyphenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant-positioned ingredients are desired. It can be used in beauty-from-within products, skincare concepts, functional nutrition systems, and specialty botanical formulations.
Pharmaceutical and Nutraceutical Research
Apigenin is widely used in pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and biological research involving flavonoids, plant polyphenols, antioxidant mechanisms, inflammation-related pathways, cellular signaling, and bioavailability studies. Commercial use in health-related products should be supported by appropriate regulatory review, safety evaluation, purity control, and product documentation.
Analytical Standards and R&D
Apigenin can be used as a reference compound, analytical standard, research reagent, or marker compound for botanical extract quality control. It is suitable for chromatographic analysis, assay development, botanical standardization, method validation, and R&D projects requiring a defined flavone material.
Formulation Benefits
Apigenin provides a useful combination of flavonoid identity, botanical positioning, antioxidant-positioned functionality, and broad formulation flexibility. It is especially suitable for:
Capsules and tablets containing flavonoid or botanical antioxidant blends.
Functional beverage and powder formulas requiring plant-derived active ingredients.
Beauty-from-within products using botanical flavonoids.
Skincare and personal care formulas requiring APIGENIN as an INCI-listed ingredient.
Botanical extract standardization and quality-control testing.
Research and development involving flavones, polyphenols, and plant actives.
Specialty formulations where a defined light-yellow flavonoid compound is required.
Regulatory Note
The permitted use of Apigenin depends on the destination market, product grade, purity, botanical source, manufacturing process, intended application, dosage, and final product claims. For food, supplement, cosmetic, feed, pharmaceutical, or industrial use, customers should confirm local regulatory status, approved application scope, dosage limits, labeling requirements, safety data, and claim restrictions before commercialization.
The presence of an INCI name, chemical name, CAS number, EC number, or database listing does not automatically mean that Apigenin is approved for every use or every market. Customers should review the product COA, specification, Safety Data Sheet, and applicable local regulations before use.
Packaging and Storage
Store Apigenin in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Keep the container tightly closed after opening. Protect from moisture, heat, direct sunlight, strong oxidizing agents, strong bases, strong acids, and incompatible materials. Because flavonoid compounds may be sensitive to light and certain processing conditions, proper packaging and storage are recommended to help maintain quality. Use appropriate protective equipment and follow the product label, COA, and Safety Data Sheet during handling.
Suggested Short Listing Copy
Apigenin is a naturally occurring flavone compound and plant-derived flavonoid used in dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical research, nutraceutical research, analytical standards, and specialty formulations. With its defined flavonoid structure, antioxidant-positioned profile, and broad formulation potential, Apigenin is suitable for manufacturers seeking a high-quality botanical active for wellness, beauty, research, and functional product development.
Conclusion
Apigenin is a versatile flavonoid ingredient for manufacturers and researchers seeking a defined plant-based active compound with strong botanical appeal. Its flavone structure, antioxidant-positioned profile, INCI-listed cosmetic identity, and broad application flexibility make it suitable for supplements, functional foods, cosmetics, personal care, pharmaceutical research, nutraceutical research, analytical applications, and specialty formulations. Overall, Apigenin is a practical choice for product developers requiring a stable, functional, and high-quality flavonoid ingredient.
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