What is Luteolin?

Luteolin is a bioflavonoid found in many plants and herbs such as peppermint, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and chamomile as well as various types of fruits and vegetables. Rich dietary sources include celery, green peppers, apples, olive oil, parsley, citrus, and carrot. It acts as an antioxidant that protects cells against damage and exhibits anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immune system benefits.

Benefits and Uses

Luteolin has been studied extensively in recent years for its broad range of health benefits:

  • As a strong antioxidant, luteolin neutralizes free radicals to help prevent cell damage associated with aging and chronic diseases like cancer. The antioxidant activities also promote greater immune defense.
  • It demonstrates natural anti-inflammatory activities that may help conditions involving swelling, pain, or discomfort. Luteolin has been shown to inhibit the release of compounds that trigger inflammation pathways in the body.
  • Preliminary research points to possible cancer prevention effects from adding luteolin-rich foods or taking supplements. Lab studies reveal luteolin may slow cancer cell growth, inhibit tumor formation, and even enhance the cancer-fighting effects of some chemotherapy drugs.
  • There is early evidence tying higher luteolin levels to improved heart health. Studies show it helps arteries relax and be more flexible, while also reducing blood clots. This may lower risks of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease over time.
  • Luteolin exhibits antimicrobial properties to battle viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can cause infection and disease. This is linked to both the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
  • It may benefit brain function by improving neuron signaling pathways and protecting nerve cells from inflammation or oxidative damage. This could have implications for cognitive health conditions like dementia.

Using Luteolin Supplements

When considering luteolin supplements, there are some key factors to keep in mind:

  • Look for purity and safety certifications from reputable third-party organizations like the NSF, Informed Choice, or USP. Reputable brands test ingredients to verify they match what is listed on labels.
  • Typical dosage recommendations range from 10 mg to 100 mg per day but some supplements may be higher or lower. Follow individual product instructions and consult your doctor, especially when combined with other supplements or medications.
  • Luteolin supplements often feature enhanced bioavailability to increase nutrient absorption rates in the body compared to food sources. Examples include pairing luteolin with lipids, phospholipids, or compounds like piperine. Enhanced bioavailability enables more luteolin to enter circulation.

The Bottom Line

Early research reveals luteolin is a powerful antioxidant that also fights inflammation, bacteria, tumors and more to benefit entire body systems. Adding luteolin-rich foods like peppers, thyme, oregano and celery to your diet is an easy strategy. Supplements can provide higher, more bioavailable doses in an isolated format. Luteolin shows particular promise helping protect the heart, brain, immune system and possibly warding off cancer. More studies are underway to further demonstrate long-term effects in humans. But current evidence indicates luteolin is a valuable phytonutrient to optimize wellness.

Benefits of Luteolin

What is Luteolin?

Luteolin is a bioflavonoid found in many plants and herbs such as peppermint, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and chamomile as well as various types of fruits and vegetables. Rich dietary sources include celery, green peppers, apples, olive oil, parsley, citrus, and carrot. It acts as an antioxidant that protects cells against damage and exhibits anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and immune system benefits.

Benefits and Uses

Luteolin has been studied extensively in recent years for its broad range of health benefits:

  • As a strong antioxidant, luteolin neutralizes free radicals to help prevent cell damage associated with aging and chronic diseases like cancer. The antioxidant activities also promote greater immune defense.
  • It demonstrates natural anti-inflammatory activities that may help conditions involving swelling, pain, or discomfort. Luteolin has been shown to inhibit the release of compounds that trigger inflammation pathways in the body.
  • Preliminary research points to possible cancer prevention effects from adding luteolin-rich foods or taking supplements. Lab studies reveal luteolin may slow cancer cell growth, inhibit tumor formation, and even enhance the cancer-fighting effects of some chemotherapy drugs.
  • There is early evidence tying higher luteolin levels to improved heart health. Studies show it helps arteries relax and be more flexible, while also reducing blood clots. This may lower risks of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease over time.
  • Luteolin exhibits antimicrobial properties to battle viruses, bacteria, and other microorganisms that can cause infection and disease. This is linked to both the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities.
  • It may benefit brain function by improving neuron signaling pathways and protecting nerve cells from inflammation or oxidative damage. This could have implications for cognitive health conditions like dementia.

Using Luteolin Supplements

When considering luteolin supplements, there are some key factors to keep in mind:

  • Look for purity and safety certifications from reputable third-party organizations like the NSF, Informed Choice, or USP. Reputable brands test ingredients to verify they match what is listed on labels.
  • Typical dosage recommendations range from 10 mg to 100 mg per day but some supplements may be higher or lower. Follow individual product instructions and consult your doctor, especially when combining with other supplements or medications.
  • Luteolin supplements often feature enhanced bioavailability to increase nutrient absorption rates in the body compared to food sources. Examples include pairing luteolin with lipids, phospholipids, or compounds like piperine. Enhanced bioavailability enables more luteolin to enter circulation.

The Bottom Line

Early research reveals luteolin is a powerful antioxidant that also fights inflammation, bacteria, tumors and more to benefit entire body systems. Adding luteolin-rich foods like peppers, thyme, oregano and celery to your diet is an easy strategy. Supplements can provide higher, more bioavailable doses in an isolated format. Luteolin shows particular promise helping protect the heart, brain, immune system and possibly warding off cancer. More studies are underway to further demonstrate long-term effects in humans. But current evidence indicates luteolin is a valuable phytonutrient to optimize wellness.


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