Luteolin
Synopsis of luteolin
Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid widely distributed in vegetables, herbs, and fruits. It has drawn increasing interest in both nutritional science and integrative medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer properties. Chemically, luteolin is classified as a flavone, a type of flavonoid that exerts strong effects on cellular signaling pathways, particularly those involved in oxidative stress, immune modulation, and inflammation.
Luteolin has been shown to inhibit the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppress mast cell activity, modulate NF-κB pathways, and scavenge free radicals. These properties make it a candidate for addressing chronic inflammatory conditions, autoimmune diseases, neurodegeneration, allergies, and even cancer development. It is also being studied for its antiviral and antimicrobial activity.
In the brain, luteolin appears to protect neurons from excitotoxicity, reduce neuroinflammation, and support cognitive resilience—making it of particular interest in aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and autism spectrum disorders. It also shows promise in protecting skin from UV-induced aging and supporting cardiovascular health.
Luteolin is available as a supplement (capsules or powders), often alongside quercetin or apigenin, and is also naturally obtained through a diet rich in colorful, aromatic herbs and vegetables.
Historical Use:
Although the compound luteolin was not isolated until modern times, its dietary and herbal sources—such as parsley, chamomile, thyme, and celery—have been used medicinally for thousands of years across many traditional systems.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, plants rich in luteolin were used to treat inflammation, digestive upset, infections, and respiratory distress. For example:
- Chamomile was used in European folk medicine and TCM to calm the nerves, reduce fevers, and treat inflammatory skin and digestive conditions.
- Celery and parsley were valued in Greco-Roman and Middle Eastern traditions for their diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties.
- Thyme was used throughout the ancient world to combat respiratory infections and preserve health due to its antimicrobial qualities.
Though practitioners did not know the term "luteolin," their observations of these plants’ effects on heat, swelling, irritability, and immunity were grounded in the very mechanisms modern science now attributes to luteolin.
Today, with growing concern over chronic inflammation and oxidative stress as underlying drivers of disease, luteolin has emerged as a key plant-based bioactive compound offering targeted support for inflammation-driven conditions—from allergies and gut issues to neurodegeneration and autoimmune imbalance.
Luteolin is used for these health conditions
Alzheimer's Disease (Scientific)
Arthritis (Scientific)
Asthma (Scientific)
Autoimmune Disorders (Scientific)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Scientific)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cardiovascular Disease (Scientific)
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (Scientific)
Colds (antiviral) (Scientific)
Dementia (Scientific)
Depression (Scientific)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Eczema (Scientific)
Gastritis (Scientific)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Inflammatory Bowel Disorders (Scientific)
Lupus (Scientific)
Memory and Brain Function (Scientific)
Migraine (Scientific)
Multiple Sclerosis (Scientific)
Parkinson's Disease (Scientific)
Psoriasis (Scientific)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Scientific)
Ulcers (Scientific)
Wounds and Sores (Scientific)
luteolin is used to support these body systems
Brain (Scientific)
Circulatory System (Scientific)
Digestive System (Scientific)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Scientific)
Heart (Scientific)
Immune System (Scientific)
Intestinal System (Scientific)
Liver (Scientific)
Mitochondria (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Scientific)
Skin (Scientific)
Spleen (Traditional)
