Usually combined (e.g., with PEA). Dose depends on the product.
Review: luteolin, a flavonoid from fruits and vegetables, induces apoptosis, slows the cell cycle, and reduces angiogenesis and metastasis in models of several cancers. Evidence is mostly preclinical (cells/animals); not proven as a treatment in people.
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Luteolin is a flavonoid present in notable concentrations in aromatic herbs (parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, sage, mint), in artichoke, in celery, in green peppers, and in some fruits; although its usual dietary intake is modest compared with that of other, more popular flavonoids such as quercetin or apigenin, its profile of biological activity has aroused growing interest over the last decade because of its anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects documented in preclinical models and, increasingly, in clinical studies in humans.
Structurally, luteolin is a flavone (not a flavonol like quercetin) with one additional hydroxyl group compared with apigenin, a small chemical difference that translates into a distinct receptor and enzyme affinity profile and into antioxidant activity in vitro that is superior to that of most flavonoids studied.
The most recent clinical interest in luteolin comes from its ability to modulate the activation of brain microglia (the immune cells of the brain), a central mechanism in the neuroinflammation that accompanies brain aging, Alzheimer's disease, and the cognitive decline associated with many chronic diseases; several preclinical studies and some small clinical trials suggest cognitive improvements and reductions in inflammatory markers with supplementation at 100-400 mg/day for weeks to months.
In autism (specifically in children with autism spectrum disorder with a neuroinflammatory component), studies by Theoharides' group at Tufts have shown significant improvements in adaptive behavior and cognition with a specific formulation of luteolin + quercetin + rutin; these data are of great interest but require independent replication and should be interpreted with caution in a heterogeneous clinical population.
A distinctive property of luteolin is its ability to stabilize mast cells, the immune cells responsible for releasing histamine in allergic reactions; several in vitro studies and animal models show inhibition of mast cell degranulation comparable to that of disodium cromoglycate (a classic pharmaceutical mast cell stabilizer), which suggests a potential role in allergies, mastocytosis, and mast cell activation syndromes such as MCAS.
In osteoarthritis and chronic inflammatory pain, luteolin has shown modest anti-inflammatory effects in small studies, in line with the general profile of cytoprotective flavonoids; the effects are quantitatively smaller than those of pharmacological anti-inflammatory drugs but acceptable as an adjunct to multimodal anti-inflammatory strategies.
The doses studied in humans range from 100 to 400 milligrams daily of standardized extract, ideally with a fatty meal because absorption is highly dependent on the lipid matrix (aglycone flavonoids have modest oral bioavailability without adequate emulsification); combining it with piperine (pepper extract) or liposomal delivery significantly improves bioavailability.
Generally well tolerated; adverse effects are rare and mild (digestive discomfort, occasionally headache); people who take anticoagulants should use theoretical caution because of a mild antiplatelet effect described at high doses; luteolin may modulate several hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes at high doses, which could theoretically alter the metabolism of some drugs if combined at high doses over long periods; caution is advised in pregnancy and breastfeeding because of limited data on reproductive safety.
Information, not medical advice. Scientific evidence reflects the quality of the studies.