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 is not 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 hundreds of published studies that have highlighted its many benefits for brain health and longevity.

Luteolin Benefits

So, what are the benefits of 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 why the average consumer would want to buy a luteolin supplement.

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 health conditions stem from inflammation. With that said, it is wise to find ways to reduce inflammation within the body in order to promote overall well-being. Taking luteolin as an anti-inflammatory may be a way.

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 possibly protect the body against infections.

Aside from bacterial infections, luteolin might help the body fight off viral infections. In studies done with mice, luteolin inhibited the spread of Epstein-Barr 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 aid the development 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 possibly reduce the risk of atherosclerosis.

Reducing inflammation in the body may help combat the development of more serious, long-term health conditions. 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 of "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 suggesting that eating flavonoid-rich foods may 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 several aspects of overall health including:

• Atherosclerosis;
• Inflammatation;
• Blood pressure;
• Heart health;
• Brain health.

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 conditions. Luteolin may help maintain healthy methylation, preventing mutations to DNA that damage cells.

Recently, luteolin has been linked to stimulation of apoptosis and to inhibition of cell proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis.