Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in many fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. Its use for depression is primarily supported by preclinical scientific studies rather than a strong tradition in herbal medicine. Most of the evidence comes from animal and in vitro studies, which suggest that luteolin may exert antidepressant-like effects by modulating neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter systems. Specifically, luteolin has been shown to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and to protect neurons from oxidative damage, both of which are implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Additionally, some studies indicate that luteolin may influence the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and increase levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein associated with improved mood and cognitive function.

However, there is currently a lack of robust clinical trials in humans directly assessing the efficacy of luteolin for depression. While the mechanistic data are promising, the evidence is insufficient to strongly recommend luteolin as a treatment for depression at this time. More well-designed human studies are needed to establish its safety, optimal dosing, and effectiveness. Therefore, the scientific evidence supporting luteolin’s use for depression is rated as weak (2 out of 5), reflecting promising preclinical findings but limited clinical validation.

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