Luteolin

Secondary plant substance that chemically belongs to the group of flavones (yellow dyes). Luteolin is a volatile substance and soluble in both water and ethanol.

The substance is found in many plants, mostly in beta-glycosidic compounds (see glycosides below). For example in foxglove (Digitalis purpurea), Passiflora incarnata(passion flower), Achillae millefolium (yarrow), Matricaria recrutita(chamomile) and others.

The effects of luteolin are described as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective. The substance is also said to strengthen the immune system. Furthermore, antiproliferative (enhancing the effect of fluorouracil) and tumor-protective(apoptosis-inducing) properties have also been identified in experimental approaches.

1. Adedara IA et al (2016) Neuroprotection of luteolin against methylmercury-induced toxicity in lobster cockroach Nauphoeta cinerea. Environ Toxicol Pharmacol 42:243-251.
2. Kim JK et al (2016) Induction of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress via Reactive Oxygen Species Mediated by Luteolin in Melanoma Cells. Anticancer Res 36:2281-1189.
3. Meng G et al (2016) Luteolin exerts pro-apoptotic effect and anti-migration effects on A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells through the activation of MEK/ERK signaling pathway. Chem Biol Interact 257:26-34.
4. Nabavi SF et al (2015) Luteolin as an anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective agent: A brief review. Brain Res Bull 119(Pt A):1-11.
5. Zang Y et al (2016) Anti-diabetic effects of luteolin and luteolin-7-O-glucosides on KK-A(y) mice. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 80:1580-1586.