Comparative evaluation of the effect of cyclodextrins and pH on aqueous solubility of apigenin

•Cyclodextrines were evaluated for the solubilizing effect on the flavone apigenin.•Phase-solubility profiles of apigenin with cyclodextrines were plotted and analyzed.•Complexation was confirmed by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopic measurements.•Random methylated ß-cyclodextrine (RM-ß-CyD) showed more than 100 fold solubility increase.•The radical scavenging effect of apigenin was enhanced by complexation.