Apigenin and apigenin-derivatives from artichokes: urine excretion in humans

Apigenin and apigenin glycosides are the main flavonoids in artichokes. Thus, their 24 h-urinary excretion was investigated, as a marker of absorption, in six women after consumption of two steamed artichokes. No enzymes treatment was performed and the urine metabolites were investigated by HPLC-MS/MS. After a single dose of steamed artichokes, 0.76% and 0.16% of apigenin-monoglucuronide and apigenin, respectively, were recovered in urine collected during the first twelve hours. In the next 12 h, only 0.11 % and 0.02% of apigenin-monoglucuronide and apigenin were recovered. Our results suggest that apigenin and derivatives are absorbed in humans after consumption of steamed artichokes and their excretion into urine mainly occurs during the first twelve hours. In the present study it was not possible to verify the presence of apigenin-sulphate derivatives. Reference: [1] Pandino G, Courts FL, Lombardo S, Mauromicale G, Williamson G. Caffeoylquinic Acids and Flavonoids in the Immature Inflorescence of Globe Artichoke, Wild Cardoon, and Cultivated Cardoon. J Agric Food Chem 2010; 58:1026–31.