Luteolin
Luteolin
Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in vegetables, fruits, and herbs such as celery, parsley, and chamomile, used primarily for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties. It is commonly supplemented to support cognitive function, reduce neuroinflammation, and modulate immune responses. Research interest has grown around its potential benefits for conditions including autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, and age-related cognitive decline.
Mechanism of Action
Luteolin inhibits pro-inflammatory signaling pathways by blocking NF-κB activation and suppressing mast cell degranulation, thereby reducing cytokine release including IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β. It also acts as a potent inhibitor of phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes, raising intracellular cAMP levels, and modulates the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to exert neuroprotective effects. Additionally, luteolin scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS) and chelates metal ions, contributing to its antioxidant activity.
Evidence by Health Goal(18 goals)
Dosing Protocols
With meals to improve absorption and reduce gastrointestinal discomfort
Bioavailability of standard luteolin is relatively poor; formulations using liposomal delivery or luteolin complexed with rutin or other flavonoids (e.g., Neuroprotek) may enhance absorption significantly. Most research in humans uses 100-400mg/day; doses up to 600mg/day have been used in clinical studies without major adverse events.
Safety & Side Effects
Luteolin has a generally favorable safety profile in human studies at doses up to 600mg/day, with no serious adverse events reported in short-term trials; however, long-term safety data in humans remain limited. Individuals who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking anticoagulants or chemotherapy agents should consult a healthcare provider before use due to theoretical interactions.
Possible Side Effects
- !Gastrointestinal discomfort including nausea or bloating at higher doses
- !Diarrhea or loose stools, particularly with standard non-liposomal formulations
- !Mild headache during initial use
- !Potential estrogenic or anti-estrogenic effects with prolonged high-dose use due to phytoestrogenic activity
- !Theoretical thyroid interference at very high doses (in vitro data only)
- !Allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae/Compositae plant family
Interactions
- -May potentiate the effects of warfarin and other anticoagulants by inhibiting CYP2C9-mediated metabolism, increasing bleeding risk
- -Can inhibit CYP1A2 and CYP3A4 enzymes, potentially elevating plasma levels of drugs metabolized by these pathways (e.g., statins, benzodiazepines, certain chemotherapeutics)
- -May have additive effects with other anti-inflammatory supplements (quercetin, resveratrol, curcumin), which can be beneficial but should be monitored
- -Potential additive hypoglycemic effects when combined with antidiabetic medications due to insulin-sensitizing properties
- -May interfere with estrogen-sensitive medications or hormone replacement therapy due to weak phytoestrogenic activity
Cost & Where to Buy
Standard luteolin capsules are relatively inexpensive at $15-25/month; specialized liposomal or complexed formulations (e.g., Neuroprotek) can run $50-60/month. Price varies significantly by brand, delivery technology, and dosage strength.
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