Luteolin

What is Luteolin?

Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid, a type of plant polyphenol found in a wide range of fruits, vegetables, herbs and plants such as the Sophorae Japonica (Japanese Pagoda Tree) which is a significant natural source of luteolin. Luteolin is not a vitamin or mineral, but a bioactive phytonutrient that provides various benefits for health and has potent antioxidant capability.

Health Benefits:

Supports Cognitive Function

Luteolin may provide various cognitive health benefits and promote good cognitive function such as improved memory, learning and synaptic plasticity. There are numerous proposed mechanisms of this including reducing neuroinflammation, decreasing oxidative stress and inhibiting amyloid-beta plaque formation. One study found evidence that luteolin can reduce chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced cognitive dysfunction (including short term memory dysfunction) through its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative-stress action. Furthering this, research suggests that luteolin may be valuable for reducing memory impairment linked to Alzheimer's disease.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Action

As a flavonoid, luteolin is an impressive antioxidant with studies evidencing that luteolin can scavenge reactive oxygen species and nitrogen species preventing their build up and subsequent oxidative stress as well as enhance endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione reductase. Additionally, luteolin can have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects and may have therapeutic effects against inflammatory diseases.

Boosts Immune Function

Research indicates that luteolin has powerful immunomodulatory capabilities and can support the function of immune cells such as T cells, macrophages and natural killer cell. Through supporting effective immune function luteolin may support long term health and help to protect the body from harmful pathogens and toxins.

History:

Luteolin has a rich history of use in traditional medicine through the use of plants containing the flavonoid. For instance, Sophorae Japonica which contains high levels of luteolin has been use in East Asia for centuries to stop bleeding, treat inflammation and alleviate high blood pressure (hypertension), headaches and dizziness.

Typical Use:

Luteolin is often consumed through the diet as part of a plant-rich eating pattern, however it is also commonly consumed in supplement form, either as a standalone flavonoid or combined with other polyphenols and antioxidants. Supplements containing luteolin are generally focused on anti-inflammatory, immune, cognitive, or antioxidant support.