Apigenin — the cannabis flavonoid in depth
Apigenin is a flavone with molecular formula C₁₅H₁₀O₅ and molar mass 270.24 g/mol. Outside cannabis, Apigenin is also found in chamomile, parsley, celery, artichokes, green tea. Within the cannabis flower, flavonoids form the "third pillar" of phytochemistry alongside cannabinoids and terpenes. They are responsible for colour nuances of the leaves and flowers and are increasingly a focus of entourage-effect research.
flavone · C₁₅H₁₀O₅ · pale-yellow pigment characteristic of chamomile flowers
Chemistry
Chemically, Apigenin is a flavone. As a classical flavone it lacks the 3-hydroxy group; substitution on the A- and B-rings determines bioactivity. Combustion (>240 °C) largely destroys the flavonoid fraction; vaporisation at 170–200 °C preserves a much larger share.
Occurrence
Flavonoids typically make up 0.3–2.5 % of a cannabis flower's dry weight. Apigenin is produced together with other phenols in the leaves and outer flower. pale-yellow pigment characteristic of chamomile flowers — this partly explains colour differences between chemovars. Apigenin is quantified by HPLC-DAD or LC-MS. Swiss COAs rarely list flavonoids today, but the analytics are established and should become standard as regulation progresses.
Effect
Preclinically anxiolytic (binds the benzodiazepine site of GABA_A, Viola et al. 1995) and anti-inflammatory. Evidence: Viola et al. 1995; Salehi et al. 2019 (review). Legal note: in Switzerland, cannabis with ≥ 1 % THC is a narcotic. Flavonoids themselves are unregulated. Effect descriptions are not therapeutic claims.
FAQ
What is Apigenin?
A flavone with formula C₁₅H₁₀O₅, found in chamomile, parsley, celery, artichokes, green tea.
Does the concentration vary between strains?
Yes — depending on chemovar, cultivation and harvest. Total flavonoid fraction is 0.3–2.5 % of dry weight.
What is the effect of Apigenin?
Preclinically anxiolytic (binds the benzodiazepine site of GABA_A, Viola et al. 1995) and anti-inflammatory.
Is Apigenin legal?
Yes. As a flavonoid it is unregulated and is used in food and nutraceuticals.
Does combustion destroy Apigenin?
Largely yes. Above 240 °C the flavonoid fraction is destroyed. Vaporising at 170–200 °C preserves much more.