The chamomile molecule with a longevity secret. Apigenin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found abundantly in chamomile, parsley, and celery. For centuries, chamomile tea has been humanity’s gentle sleep aid — and apigenin is the compound responsible. At the molecular level, apigenin binds to GABA-A receptors at the benzodiazepine site, producing anxiolytic effects without sedation or cognitive impairment. But apigenin holds a deeper secret: it’s one of the most potent natural CD38 inhibitors known, preserving NAD+ levels that decline with age. This positions apigenin at the intersection of sleep science and longevity research. In Luna, ChamomiLux Apigenin completes the sleep stack — adding GABAergic calm to glycine’s thermoregulation, L-theanine’s alpha waves, and magnesium’s NMDA modulation.
Mechanism of Action
Apigenin works through two distinct and complementary mechanisms:
Longevity Context: Apigenin’s CD38 inhibition positions it as a longevity compound beyond its sleep benefits. The 50mg dose in Luna provides meaningful CD38 inhibition alongside GABA-A anxiolysis. For those focused on NAD+ optimization, apigenin complements NMN/NR supplementation by reducing NAD+ consumption rather than just increasing production.
From Tea to Extract: Chamomile’s sleep benefits have been known for millennia. Modern extraction allows us to deliver the active compound (apigenin) at therapeutic doses without drinking 5-15 cups of tea. ChamomiLux provides 50mg standardized apigenin — ensuring consistent, meaningful effects.
Amsterdam JD et al. Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) may provide antidepressant activity in anxious, depressed humans. Altern Ther Health Med. 2012;18(5):44-9. PubMed
Mao JJ et al. Long-term chamomile therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Phytomedicine. 2016;23(14):1735-42. PubMed
Chang SM, Chen CH. Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women. J Adv Nurs. 2016;72(2):306-15. PubMed
GABA-A:
Viola H et al. Apigenin, a component of Matricaria recutita flowers, is a central benzodiazepine receptors-ligand with anxiolytic effects. Planta Med. 1995;61(3):213-6. PubMed
Avallone R et al. Pharmacological profile of apigenin, a flavonoid isolated from Matricaria chamomilla. Biochem Pharmacol. 2000;59(11):1387-94. PubMed
CD38/NAD+:
Escande C et al. Flavonoid apigenin is an inhibitor of the NAD+ase CD38. Diabetes. 2013;62(4):1084-93. PubMed
Chini EN et al. CD38 ecto-enzyme in immune cells is induced during aging and regulates NAD+ and NMN levels. Nat Metab. 2019;1:1096-1108.
Tier Rationale: Tier 2 (Supported) classification. Apigenin has moderate clinical evidence for anxiolytic effects through GABA-A binding, primarily from chamomile extract trials. Effect sizes for anxiety are meaningful (d = 0.4-0.7). Sleep evidence is more modest. The CD38/NAD+ mechanism is well-established preclinically but lacks human outcome data. Safety is excellent given chamomile’s long history. In Luna, apigenin provides the GABAergic component that completes the four-pathway sleep stack.
Ancient Wisdom, Modern Validation: Chamomile’s calming effects have been known for millennia. Modern science has identified apigenin as the key active compound and elucidated its dual mechanism — GABA-A binding for acute calm and CD38 inhibition for long-term cellular health. ChamomiLux delivers this ancient botanical’s benefits at therapeutic doses.
ChamomiLux Summary: Apigenin (50mg in Luna) is the chamomile-derived flavonoid that completes the Luna sleep stack with GABAergic anxiolysis. Unlike benzodiazepines, apigenin’s partial agonism at GABA-A receptors provides calm without sedation, cognitive impairment, or dependence. Beyond sleep, apigenin’s potent CD38 inhibition preserves NAD+ levels — connecting nightly rest to longevity science. Four pathways, one goal: optimized sleep and cellular health.
