Apigenin as an emerging hepatoprotective agent: current status and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Natural Product Chemistry
• Pharmacology
• Hepatology

Background:

• Apigenin (API) is a natural flavonoid found in various plants.
• API exhibits low toxicity and therapeutic potential for diverse diseases.
• Preclinical studies highlight API's efficacy in preventing and treating liver conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively review the therapeutic applications of apigenin in liver diseases.
• To explore the molecular mechanisms underlying apigenin's hepatoprotective effects.
• To discuss the current status, challenges, and opportunities for apigenin's development.

Main Methods:

• Literature search across Web of Science, PubMed, CNKI, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect.
• Analysis of preclinical studies on apigenin's effects on liver diseases.
• Review of apigenin's molecular targets and signaling pathways.

Main Results:

• Apigenin demonstrates hepatoprotective effects through anti-inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms.
• Key pathways targeted by apigenin include Nrf2, NF-κB, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and others.
• Apigenin shows low toxicity but has slow metabolism, excretion, and low oral bioavailability.

Conclusions:

• Apigenin holds significant therapeutic potential for various liver diseases.
• Understanding its molecular mechanisms and pharmacokinetic properties is crucial for clinical translation.
• Further research on novel dosage forms is recommended for optimizing apigenin's application.