Apigenin: Why It's in Your HOP Box
The NAD+ Protector That Also Helps You Sleep
Apigenin is a flavonoid found abundantly in chamomile, parsley, and celery. While chamomile tea has been used for centuries as a sleep aid, modern research has uncovered a much more significant role for apigenin in longevity: it inhibits CD38, an enzyme that consumes and degrades NAD+ in your body.
This matters because NAD+ decline is one of the primary drivers of aging. If NR (another HOP Box ingredient) is the gas pedal for NAD+ production, apigenin is the guard that prevents your NAD+ from being destroyed. Together, they create a more effective strategy than either one alone.
In HOP Box, apigenin is part of the Damage Control blend, contributing both its NAD+-protective effects and its anti-inflammatory, sleep-supporting properties.
What the Research Shows
CD38 inhibition and NAD+ preservation
CD38 is a major NAD+-consuming enzyme, and its activity increases with age and inflammation. Blocking CD38 is now recognized as a complementary approach to NAD+ precursor supplementation.
Key study: Research has demonstrated that CD38 expression increases with aging and is a primary driver of age-related NAD+ decline. Apigenin has been identified as a potent natural CD38 inhibitor that can preserve NAD+ levels, making it a critical complement to NAD+ precursor supplementation.
Chini CCS, Tarrago MG, Chini EN. "NAD and the aging process: Role in life, death and everything in between." Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology. 2017;455:62-74.
Sleep quality
Quality sleep is foundational for longevity, and poor sleep accelerates every marker of aging. Apigenin's ability to promote deep sleep has been studied in multiple clinical contexts.
Key study: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 34 adults found that chamomile extract (standardized for apigenin content, 270 mg daily) significantly improved sleep quality as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) over 28 days, with no daytime drowsiness or dependence.
Chang SM, Chen CH. "Effects of an intervention with drinking chamomile tea on sleep quality and depression in sleep disturbed postnatal women: a randomized controlled trial." Journal of Advanced Nursing. 2016;72(2):306-315.
Anxiety reduction
Anxiety affects sleep, accelerates aging, and impairs quality of life. Apigenin acts on GABA receptors in the brain (the same system targeted by benzodiazepines) but without sedation or dependence.
Key study: A randomized controlled trial in 57 patients with generalized anxiety disorder found that chamomile extract (standardized for apigenin) significantly reduced anxiety symptoms compared to placebo, with efficacy maintained over long-term use (up to 38 weeks) and no withdrawal effects upon discontinuation.
Mao JJ, Xie SX, Keefe JR, et al. "Long-term chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.) treatment for generalized anxiety disorder: A randomized clinical trial." Phytomedicine. 2016;23(14):1735-1742.
Anti-inflammatory activity
Chronic inflammation accelerates every aspect of aging. Apigenin has demonstrated broad anti-inflammatory effects.
Key study: A systematic review of clinical trials found that apigenin-rich chamomile extract significantly reduced inflammatory markers in multiple human studies, with particular benefit for women experiencing hormonal transitions.
Srivastava JK, Shankar E, Gupta S. "Chamomile: A herbal medicine of the past with a bright future." Molecular Medicine Reports. 2010;3(6):895-901.
Why It's in HOP Box
Dr. Amy Killen included apigenin in HOP Box for a dual purpose. First, it protects the NAD+ that NR (also in HOP Box) is working to produce, creating a supply-and-demand approach to NAD+ optimization. Second, it supports the deep, restorative sleep that is essential for autophagy, hormone production, and cellular repair, all of the longevity processes your body runs while you sleep.
The HOP Box Difference
- CD38 inhibitor that protects NAD+ levels alongside NR supplementation
- Natural sleep support without sedation or dependence
- Part of the Damage Control blend with quercetin, fisetin, curcumin, and astaxanthin
- Doctor-formulated by Amy Killen, MD, a longevity medicine specialist
- Convenient daily packs for consistent daily protection
Ready to protect your NAD+ levels and support deep, restorative sleep?
This page is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.
Sources cited are peer-reviewed human clinical studies. HOP Box is formulated by Amy Killen, MD.
