Are you looking for a natural solution to improve your health and wellness? Luteolin supplements have been gaining popularity as a promising alternative to traditional medications. But what exactly is luteolin, how should you use it, and what are its benefits and side effects? This article delves into the world of luteolin supplements to provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
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What Is Luteolin?
Luteolin is a flavonoid present in several fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
It is a yellow crystalline chemical in its pure form.
Did you know: Luteolin was used as a source of yellow dye way back in the first millennia?
Luteolin protects plants from microbial infections and other threats from the environment.
It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Due to these properties, it prevents oxidative cellular damage, strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation, and helps fight cancer.
Luteolin and Inflammation: Detailed Overview
Inflammation is the body’s natural defense against harmful stimuli like bacteria, viruses, and chemicals.
Inflammation can be of two types:
- Acute: Begins suddenly and resolves quickly
- Chronic: Develops slowly and is long-term
Chronic inflammation leads to the development of various diseases like arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cardiac diseases, and others.
During the inflammatory process, macrophages (a type of white blood cells) activate different molecules, including cytokines, tumor necrosis factors, interleukins, and free radicals.
Cytokines are small protein molecules that regulate the immune response in the body.
Luteolin suppresses the production of cytokines and the pathways that stimulate a cellular response, leading to inflammation.
By doing so, luteolin can suppress the number of activated macrophages and subsequently reduce the production of inflammatory molecules.
By suppressing various inflammatory pathways, luteolin is said to lower acute and chronic inflammation.
Do You Need More Luteolin?
Your body gives signs and indications when it requires more luteolin.
- A poor neurological function that affects your motor skills, memory, or learning. This is more common in adults over the age of 50.
- Development of wrinkles and visible signs
Luteolin is indicated in people dealing with inflammatory conditions like gout, asthma, skin psoriasis, and erythema.
How To Use Luteolin Supplements?
Luteolin supplements are available in the following forms:
- Powders
- Pills
- Chewable tablets
These supplements may be used or recommended for the following reasons:
- To stabilize mast cells
Mast cells are a part of the body’s defense mechanism and protect the body from bacterial infections.
But, they may cause side effects in people with allergies.
When the body encounters a small number of allergens, it produces immunoglobulin E (IgE).
However, when the allergy increases, mast cells disintegrate to release histamine.
Histamine is a hormone known to cause typical allergy signs, including stuffy nose, excessive sneezing, brain fog, and congestion.
Consuming luteolin can prevent the degeneration of mast cells and improve allergy symptoms.
- Antioxidant properties
All flavonoids have strong antioxidant properties.
They are responsible for the elimination and prevention of the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).
As a result, they are responsible for a wide range of chronic conditions like cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and others.
Luteolin is known to hunt down ROS and prevent the risk of chronic diseases.
- Anti-cancer properties
Cancer occurs when the body cells divide, multiply and grow uncontrollably.
Luteolin prevents abnormal cell growth by improving the cell cycle and interfering with cell growth.
Luteolin also prevents metastasis of cancer (spread to distant parts of the body from the site of origin) by suppressing cytokine production (responsible for metastasis).
Increased estrogen levels are a known cause of common cancers like breast, ovaries, and prostate cancers.
Estrogen encourages the growth of cancer cells and stimulates them to multiply.
Luteolin competes with estrogen to bind to receptors, thereby showing anti-estrogenic activity.
- Reducing stress and anxiety
Luteolin is known to reduce stress and anxiety. It also promotes better social interaction.
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Recommended Dosage Of Luteolin
Luteolin supplements are still under research and are not recommended by the FDA for medical use.
Most luteolin supplements contain a mixture of luteolin and rutin (a flavonoid derived from quercetin).
The standard dosage mentioned on product labels ranges from 100-300 mg per serving.
Discussing the suitable dosage with your doctor before taking luteolin supplements is always recommended.
Side Effects Of Luteolin Supplements
Though commonly eaten for its health benefits, the safety profile of luteolin is relatively unknown.
A few side effects reported with luteolin consumption include:
- Temporarily increased irritability in around 50% of children with autism spectrum disorders.
- Block the effects of progesterone, which may be harmful in women with uterine or cervical cancers.
- Worsens chemically-induced colitis in animal studies.
Food Sources of Luteolin
Foods that are rich in luteolin include
- Radicchio
- Celery
- Green bell peppers
- Citrus fruits
- Spices
- Herbs like thyme, basil, parsley, oregano, and chamomile tea
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Carrots
- Pumpkin
- Kohlrabi
Summary
- Luteolin is a flavonoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in several fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- Poor neurological function, wrinkles, visible skin signs, and inflammatory conditions are indications that you may need to increase luteolin intake.
- Luteolin supplements are available in various forms and may be taken for their mast cell stabilization, and antioxidant and anti-estrogenic properties.
- Luteolin supplements help prevent cancer by interfering with abnormal and unnatural cell growth.
- The safety profile of luteolin is still unclear, so FDA does not recommend this supplement for medical use.
- Green bell peppers, citrus fruits, celery, herbs like thyme and parsley, cabbage, and carrots are some food sources rich in luteolin.
References
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29801717/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7094354/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5621366/
- https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Luteolin
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874117334578
- https://www.clinicaltherapeutics.com/article/S0149-2918(13)00178-1/fulltext
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1895919/
