BackgroundIntervertebral disk degeneration (IVDD) is a common spine disease, and inflammation is considered to be one of its main pathogenesis. Apigetrin (API) is a natural bioactive flavonoid isolated from various herbal medicines and shows attractive anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties; whereas, there is no exploration of the therapeutic potential of API on IVDD. Here, we aim to explore the potential role of API on IVDD in vivo and in vitro. MethodsIn vitro, western blotting, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence analysis were implemented to explore the bioactivity of API on interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta)-induced inflammatory changes in nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs). In vivo, histological staining and immunohistochemistry were employed to investigate the histological changes of intervertebral disk sections on puncture-induced IVDD rat models. ResultsIn vitro, API played a crucial role in anti-inflammation and autophagy enhancement in IL-1 beta-induced NPCs. API improved inflammation by inhibiting the nuclear factor-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinas pathways, whereas it promoted autophagy via the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of the rapamycin pathway. Furthermore, in vivo experiment illustrated that API mitigates the IVDD progression in puncture-induced IVDD model. ConclusionsAPI inhibited degenerative phenotypes and promoted autophagy in vivo and in vitro IVDD models. Those suggested that API might be a potential drug or target for IVDD.