Neuroprotection induced by apigenin

Pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS) can be caused by toxic agents, traumatic damage, and can be triggered by neural degeneration related to aging or degenerative diseases, involving the accumulation of cytokines, neurotransmitters, and reactive radicals and irrespective of the etiology, involve reactive gliosis. In this context, neuroprotective strategies would be promising, not only to reduce the progression of neurodegeneration but also to recover the individual from the disease condition, and natural compounds with immunomodulatory potential may represent part of a new generation of bioactive drugs with pharmacological potential to protect and improve brain function in various neurodegenerative diseases. The consumption of flavonoids in the diet has been associated with reduced risk of neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) in humans, neuroprotection against relevant insults in animal models of study, as well as improvements in cognition and learning. Apigenin (4,5,7-trihydroxyflavone) is a flavonoid found in abundance in fruits such as oranges, chamomile, celery, parsley, red wine, onions, and especially in Passiflora flower. In this chapter, we present the main knowledge about the neuroprotective effects of apigenin in in vivo and in vitro models of NDD and other pathologies of the CNS, with a special focus on modulation of the glial neuroinflammatory response. Considering that apigenin has been presented neuroprotective, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and immunomodulatory properties, it may constitute an alternative as a therapeutic agent for oxidative and inflammatory processes of the CNS.