LUTEOLIN SUPPLEMENT

Luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) forms part of the large family of flavonoids, which includes at least 4,000 different compounds. It is one of the sub-groups of ivory-to-bright yellow pigments called flavones, which are naturally present in artichokes, parsley, thyme, celery, and propolis. If enough of this flavonoid isn't included in a person's diet, it can be added through a luteolin supplement.

Luteolin-rich plants are used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various disorders, such as hypertension and inflammatory problems. In its natural supplement form, luteolin has been the subject of over 2000 published studies that have highlighted its many benefits for brain health and longevity.

What Are the Health Benefits Associated with Luteolin?

With so many studies available to us, we now understand all of the luteolin benefits to the human body. From providing anti-inflammatory properties to reducing oxidative stress, there are many reasons that the average consumer would want to buy luteolin.

Of the many luteolin supplement benefits, we will focus our energy on just a handful. However, the benefits of luteolin go far beyond what most people can imagine.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

It has been shown after careful research that many of today's diseases and ailments stem from inflammation. With that said, it's wise to find ways to reduce inflammation within the body in order to promote overall well-being. That's where luteolin comes into play.

For starters, lipopolysaccharides (LPS) often trigger inflammation in the body and can lead to bacterial infections. However, studies suggest that luteolin supplements are capable of inhibiting the inflammation and protecting the body against infections.

Aside from bacterial infections, luteolin might help the body fight off viral infections. In other studies done with mice, luteolin inhibited the spread of Epstein-Barr, nose or throat cancer and Hepatitis B.

Like quercetin or rutin, luteolin suppresses allergen-induced inflammatory response by inhibiting lipoxygenase. As a potent inhibitor of mastocyte production of histamine and other inflammatory substances, it could even lead to the creation of new types of anti-inflammatory and anti-allergy drugs.

In vitro studies also show that certain flavonoids, particularly luteolin, found in artichokes, prevent oxidation of LDL-cholesterol and may, therefore, reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

If it is possible to reduce the inflammation in the body, then it might also be viable to prevent and treat many diseases that occur as a result of that inflammation. However, more research is needed to determine exactly what anti-inflammatory effects luteolin may have on other conditions.

Mitochondrial Aging Combatant

We know from research that a reduction in efficiency of the mitochondria — the cells' powerhouses — leads to increased generation of free radicals and is thus directly linked to the aging process as a whole.

Some studies suggest that luteolin may combat mitochondrial aging by activating cellular antioxidant production, and may justifiably claim the title "anti-aging molecule."

Additionally, it is now well-established that certain neurological functions, such as memory, cognition, and motor function, can be disrupted by interleukin 6 (IL-6) type cytokines. These molecules cause inflammation of healthy cells and prevent them from functioning optimally.

Certain studies involving mice have shown that luteolin can eliminate excessive inflammatory cytokines in the brain, such as interleukin 6 and interleukin 1b, by acting on microglial cells, thus maintaining cognitive function, particularly memory and learning. In addition, luteolin helps reduce levels of amyloid protein by protecting mitochondria from free radical attack.

There is also an overwhelming amount of evidence from studies suggesting that eating flavonoid-rich foods may help stave off dementia. In fact, these foods benefit both learning and memory functions.

Oxidative Stress Relief

Oxidative stress refers to the imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in your body. This imbalance has been linked to a myriad of conditions, including:

• diabetes
• atherosclerosis
• inflammatory conditions
• high blood pressure
• heart disease
• neurodegenerative diseases
• cancer

Studies have shown luteolin, along with other flavonoids, to be effective at counteracting oxidative damage to DNA (using the Trolox test). In fact, this natural substance is able to prevent oxidative damage to cellular DNA from occurring, thus enabling DNA integrity to remain perfectly intact.

In addition, enzymatic and genetic activity depends on the constant re-methylation of DNA, which protects the body from a whole range of degenerative diseases. It seems luteolin helps maintain healthy methylation, preventing mutations to DNA that damage cells and are linked to cancer.

When scientists supplemented the diet of mice with luteolin, they noted a 40% decrease in rates of fibrosarcoma. According to the researchers, the luteolin was acting on the initiation and promotion phases of the carcinogenic process, as well as improving detoxification. Luteolin was found to have the greatest antiproliferative effect of all the substances tested.

In another study, researchers found that pre-treatment with luteolin greatly sensitized TNF alpha-induced apoptosis in a number of human cell lines, including cancers of the colon and cervix. More recently, luteolin has beenlinked to stimulation of apoptosis and to inhibition of cell proliferation, angiogenesis and metastasis.

Luteolin sensitizes cancer cells to cytotoxicity induced by the suppression of cell survival pathways (P13K, NF-kB) and by the stimulation of apoptosis pathways, including those that cause tumor suppressor p53. These findings suggest luteolin may, therefore, be beneficial in fighting various forms of cancer. Recent epidemiological research also suggests luteolin may have anti-carcinogenic effects.

Luteolin Supplement Dosage

This natural substance is completely non-toxic. The ideal active dose for optimal efficacy has been defined as 100 mg a day. Since its effects are maximized by other flavonoids, it should be taken with the main meals of the day.

We recommend a luteolin supplement dosage of 50 mg twice a day, totaling 100 mg. Using pure luteolin supplement, versus supplements that contain other ingredients, is best.