Absorption, Metabolism and Excretion of Apigenin and Apigenin Glycosides

Flavonoids, including the sub groups of Flavones (FO) are plant-derived compounds commonly present in the human diet. Examples of FO-containing foods and beverages are parsley, celery, and chamomile. The study described below will provide initial information of apigenin derived metabolites in humans. The investigators suggest the information that will be obtained from the outlined work will be particularly timely given increasing interest in the putative health effects of FO intake in humans.

This study consisted of two parts. The first part consisted of a probe study in which the investigators investigated the absorption and metabolism from four flavone-containing test products. The second phase investigated absorption and metabolism after the intake of a flavone-containing parsley drink.

Inclusion criteria

• No prescription medications
• BMI 18.5 - 29.9 kg/m2
• Weight ≥ 110 pounds
• previously consumed cocoa, peanut, parsley, celery and chamomile products with no adverse reactions

Exclusion criteria

• Adults unable to consent
• Prisoners
• Non-English speaking
• BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2
• Performing vigorous physical activity (i.e. more than 6 metabolic equivalence of task (MET) as defined by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) guidelines) for more than 3 days a week
• Dietary allergies including those to nuts, cocoa and chocolate products, parsley, celery and chamomile.
• Active avoidance of coffee and caffeinated soft drinks
• Under current medical supervision
• A history of cardiovascular disease, stroke, renal, hepatic, or thyroid disease
• History of clinically significant depression, anxiety or other psychiatric condition
• History of Raynaud's disease
• History of difficult blood draws
• Indications of substance or alcohol abuse within the last 3 years
• Current use of herbal, plant or botanical supplements (multi-vitamin/mineral supplements are allowed)
• Blood Pressure > 140/90 mm Hg
• GI tract disorders, previous GI surgery (except appendectomy)
• Self-reported malabsorption (e.g. difficulty digesting or absorbing nutrients from food, potentially leading to bloating, cramping or gas)
• Diarrhea within the last 3 months, or antibiotic intake within the last 3 months
• Vegetarian, Vegan, food faddists, individuals using non-traditional diets, on a weight loss diet or individuals following diets with significant deviations from the average diet
• Metabolic panel and cholesterol results or complete blood counts that are outside of the normal reference range and are considered clinically relevant by the study physician
• Cold, flu, or upper respiratory condition at screening
• Currently participating in a clinical or dietary intervention study