From the Guidelines
Luteolin has been shown to have a positive effect on reducing the risk of chronic diseases, such as heart disease and stroke, due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, as evidenced by a meta-analysis of observational studies that found a lower risk of CHD and stroke for the highest compared with the lowest tertile of lutein intake 1.
Key Findings
- Luteolin is a flavonoid present in some vegetables such as celery, thyme, and green pepper, with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that modulate immune system activity and promote carbohydrate metabolism 1.
- A study conducted in Japan found that luteolin has a biphasic effect on the cell line of human breast cancer, and when administered in conjunction with doxorubicin, it has a cytoprotective effect even in the presence of the tumor estrogen-receptor–antagonist 1.
- High lutein intake was associated with a lower risk of metabolic syndrome, comparing the highest with the lower tertile, with no significant heterogeneity observed between studies 1.
Potential Health Benefits
- Luteolin may support brain health, reduce inflammation, provide antioxidant protection, and potentially offer anticancer properties according to preliminary research.
- The compound works by inhibiting inflammatory pathways and neutralizing harmful free radicals, potentially helping with conditions characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress.
Important Considerations
- While laboratory studies show promise, human clinical trials are still limited, and luteolin supplements should be approached with caution, particularly for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and those on medication due to potential interactions.
- Luteolin can be found in high concentrations in foods like celery, parsley, thyme, peppermint, and various fruits and vegetables with yellow or green pigments, making dietary intake a viable option for those looking to increase their luteolin consumption.
From the Research
Effects of Luteolin
- Luteolin has anti-inflammatory properties, inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, such as IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IL-22, TNF-α, and COX-2 2, 3, 4.
- It has antioxidant effects, decreasing intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protecting against oxidative stress 2, 5, 6.
- Luteolin may have cardio-protective effects, with potential benefits in preventing or treating cardiovascular diseases such as ischemia/reperfusion injury, heart failure, and atherosclerosis 5.
- It has been shown to have anti-cancer properties, inducing apoptosis, inhibiting cell proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis, and sensitizing cancer cells to therapeutic-induced cytotoxicity 6.
- Luteolin may also have benefits in skin health, modulating skin aging and inflammation, and potentially being used to develop topical formulations or systemic agents against inflammatory skin diseases 3.
Mechanisms of Action
- Luteolin's anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through various signaling pathways, including the NF-κB, JAK-STAT, and TLR pathways 2, 3, 4.
- It regulates transcription factors such as STAT3, NF-κB, and AP-1, which are involved in inflammation and immune responses 4.
- Luteolin's anticancer effects are associated with the induction of apoptosis, inhibition of cell survival pathways, and stimulation of apoptosis pathways, including those that induce the tumor suppressor p53 6.