Apigenin is a flavonoid found in many plants, including parsley, celery, and chamomile. Scientific interest in apigenin for fibrosis stems from preclinical studies demonstrating its anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties. Several in vitro and animal studies have shown that apigenin can reduce markers of fibrosis in organs such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys. For example, research has indicated that apigenin inhibits the activation of hepatic stellate cells (the primary drivers of liver fibrosis) and reduces collagen deposition in animal models of liver injury. Similar antifibrotic effects have been observed in pulmonary and renal fibrosis models, where apigenin modulated pathways such as TGF-β/Smad and NF-κB, which are crucial in the development of fibrotic disease.

However, despite these promising preclinical findings, there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence in humans. No large randomized controlled trials have been published to confirm its efficacy or safety in treating or preventing fibrosis in human patients. Most available evidence remains at the experimental or animal study level, which limits the ability to translate these findings directly to clinical practice. Therefore, while scientific rationale and some preclinical validation exist, the evidence supporting apigenin for fibrosis in humans is preliminary, and further clinical research is required before it can be recommended for this indication.