Flavonoid apigenin biological activity review: anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotective and antiviral

Flavonoids are an extensive class of organic compounds that are secondary metabolites of plants and higher fungi. From a chemical point of view, flavonoids are hydroxy derivatives of flavone, 2,3-dihydroflavone isoflavone and 4-phenylcoumarin. Since ancient times, various parts of plants have been considered as sources of biologically active substances for the treatment of various diseases and improving well-being. One of the most common flavonoids is apigenin - 4’,5,7-trihydroxyflavone. Apigenin is present mainly in the form of a significant amount of glycosylated substances in vegetables (parsley, celery, onion), fruits (oranges), herbs (chamomile, thyme, oregano, basil) and plant-based beverages (tea, beer and wine). This article discusses the current data of studies of anti-inflammatory, antitumor, neuroprotective and antiviral activity of apigenin. From the available data, it follows that apigenin is a promising structure showing a variety of types of biological activity, which allows it to be considered as an interesting candidate for creating new drugs based on it or for including this polyphenolic compound in complex treatment protocols as a biologically active additive.