Figure 2.

The digestion and absorption mechanism of apigenin in gastrointestinal tract. ① Under the action of chewing mechanical force, enzyme digestion and a small amount of oil, apigenin is released from the food substrate into the oral cavity. ② Apigenin is dissolved into the oil drips, then was hydrolyzed in the stomach. ③ Apigenin is released from the oil drips to form a mixed micella in the small intestine. ④ Through P-gp-mediated transport or other ways, the mixed micelles are absorbed by the epithelial cell layer. ⑤ Under the action of ABCB1 and ABCC2, the chylomicrons are transported to the lymph circulation and thereby enter the blood or physical organs.