---
title: "Flavonoid apigenin is an inhibitor of the NAD+ ase CD38:…"
description: "The flavonoid apigenin can inhibit the enzyme CD38, leading to increased NAD+ levels and improved metabolic health in obese mice."
url: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d23172919.md"
canonical: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d23172919.html"
html: "https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d23172919.html"
type: "study"
study_key: "d23172919"
journal: "Diabetes"
year: 2013
pmid: "23172919"
doi: "10.2337/db12-1139"
citations: 1
updated: 2026-09-02
author: "Gabriel Radu, DO"
author_credentials: "Physiatrist (PM&R). NY medical license 275110. NPI 1376861765."
publisher: "Magellan Longevity"
content_format: "markdown"
---

# Flavonoid apigenin is an inhibitor of the NAD+ ase CD38: implications for cellular NAD+ metabolism

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## Citation

| Field | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Journal | Diabetes |
| Year | 2013 |
| PMID | [23172919](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23172919/) |
| DOI | [10.2337/db12-1139](https://doi.org/10.2337/db12-1139) |
| Study key | d23172919 |

## Takeaway

The flavonoid apigenin can inhibit the enzyme CD38, leading to increased NAD+ levels and improved metabolic health in obese mice.

## The question

Can CD38 be pharmacologically inhibited to increase NAD+ levels and improve metabolic health?

## Hypothesis

Inhibiting CD38 will increase cellular NAD+ levels, activate sirtuins, decrease protein acetylation, and improve metabolic syndrome parameters.

## Methods

The study investigated the role of CD38 in regulating protein acetylation via NAD+ levels and sirtuin activity. It characterized quercetin and apigenin as CD38 inhibitors. Cell cultures were treated with apigenin to observe changes in NAD+ levels and protein acetylation. Obese mice were administered apigenin to assess its effects on NAD+ levels, protein acetylation, and glucose and lipid homeostasis.

## Results

CD38 regulates global protein acetylation through changes in NAD+ levels and sirtuin activity. Pharmacological inhibition of CD38 by apigenin resulted in higher intracellular NAD+ levels in cell cultures. Treatment of cell cultures with apigenin decreased global acetylation, as well as the acetylation of p53 and RelA-p65. Apigenin administration to obese mice increased NAD+ levels, decreased global protein acetylation, and improved several aspects of glucose and lipid homeostasis.

## Conclusion

CD38 is a novel pharmacological target for treating metabolic diseases through NAD+-dependent pathways, with apigenin demonstrating efficacy as a CD38 inhibitor.

## Limitations

The abstract does not explicitly state any limitations of the study.

## Verbatim from the abstract

> apigenin increases NAD+ levels by inhibiting CD38

## Where this study is used on Magellan

This paper is one of the citations behind the evidence grade on the pages below. Grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of affiliate commissions.

| Compound or device | Evidence grade | Graded pages |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Apigenin Capsules | Emerging evidence | [Apigenin Capsules](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/114.md) |

## Reference

1. **Flavonoid apigenin is an inhibitor of the NAD+ ase CD38: implications for cellular NAD+ metabolism**
   Diabetes 2013 · [PMID 23172919](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23172919/) · [DOI 10.2337/db12-1139](https://doi.org/10.2337/db12-1139)

   > apigenin increases NAD+ levels by inhibiting CD38

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## Related on Magellan Longevity

- [Apigenin Capsules](https://magellanlongevity.com/p/114.md) — product graded on this and related evidence
- [Evidence: inhibits CD38, raises NAD/Sirt3](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/s114.md)
- [Inhibition of CD38 and nicotinamide riboside ameliorate neuroinflammation by increasing…](https://magellanlongevity.com/study/d33871064.md)
- [Longevity research map](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-research-map.html)
- [Evidence-based longevity supplements](https://magellanlongevity.com/longevity-supplements.md)

## Scope and disclosures

Educational information, not medical advice. Nothing here is intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Talk to your physician before starting any supplement or device, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medication.

Editorial firewall: evidence grades are assigned from the published research and are independent of any affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate, Magellan Longevity earns from qualifying purchases.

Reviewed for accuracy by a board-certified physician (DO).