Luteolin is a flavonoid compound found in many plants, including celery, parsley, and chamomile. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the "Spleen" refers not only to the anatomical organ but also to a broader functional system related to digestion, energy production, and fluid metabolism. While luteolin is not a major herb in classical TCM materia medica, it is present in several plants used in TCM to support Spleen function, such as Scutellaria baicalensis (Huang Qin). The inclusion of luteolin-rich herbs in formulas aimed at "tonifying" or supporting the Spleen may stem from their general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions, which traditional practitioners interpret as harmonizing to Spleen Qi and function.

Scientifically, luteolin has been studied primarily for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. There is limited direct research connecting luteolin specifically to spleen health or function in the Western biomedical sense. Some animal studies suggest luteolin may modulate immune function, which could theoretically impact the spleen as an immune organ, but these findings are not robustly translated into clinical practice or guidelines. Therefore, the justification for using luteolin to support the Spleen system is primarily based on traditional use and the broader properties of luteolin-containing herbs, rather than strong scientific validation.