Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid found in a number of plants, herbs, fruits and vegetables, and which has received increasing attention in modern nutritional science and integrated medicine. The substance is produced by plants as part of their own defense against UV radiation, oxidative stress and microbial influence, and these protective properties can also support human biological regulatory systems when luteolin is ingested through the diet or as a dietary supplement. Luteolin belongs to the flavone group of flavonoids and is chemically known as 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone with the molecular formula C15H10O6. Natural sources include celery, parsley, thyme, oregano, broccoli, onions, peppers, citrus fruits and the plant Reseda luteola, which has historically been used for textile dyeing since ancient times.
Modern research shows that luteolin has a wide range of biological activities, particularly related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and immunomodulating processes. In this article, we have used and built on publicly available research, including a review of scientific databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, the Cochrane Library, the EFSA register and the Norwegian Food Safety Authority's assessments. In addition, we have been inspired by the Life Extension Foundation's professional article "What Are the Benefits of Bee Propolis?" (Mia Syn, MS, RD, scientifically reviewed by Michael A. Smith, MD, December 2025). Although this article primarily deals with propolis, luteolin is a central flavonoid in several propolis types, and there is considerable overlap in biological mechanisms of action between these natural substances.
🛡️ Antioxidant and inflammation balance
Luteolin is well documented as a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals and support the body's own antioxidant systems, including glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase. At the same time, luteolin modulates inflammatory signaling pathways such as NF-κB, MAPK and JAK/STAT, and can help to dampen overactive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and COX-2. This regulatory effect makes luteolin particularly interesting in the context of chronic low-grade inflammation, which is a known underlying factor in a number of lifestyle and age-related conditions.
🧠 Neuroprotective and cognitive mechanisms
Research indicates that luteolin may support brain health by reducing neuroinflammation, protecting nerve cells from oxidative stress, and influencing mechanisms related to amyloid-β accumulation and microglial activation. Preclinical studies have shown potential for supporting memory, mental clarity and reducing so-called "brain fog". Luteolin has also been investigated for its interaction with adenosine receptors, which may explain observations related to improved sleep quality and an increased proportion of deep non-REM sleep in some models.
⚖️ Immune balance, mast cells and histamine
A distinctive feature of luteolin is its ability to stabilize mast cells and reduce the release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators. This makes luteolin interesting in the context of allergic reactions, hypersensitivity and immunological imbalance. Studies show that luteolin can help modulate the Th1/Th2 response and support a more balanced immune function without being immunosuppressive.
🦠 Antimicrobial and antiviral activity
In laboratory and animal studies, luteolin has shown activity against several bacteria, viruses and fungi, including Staphylococcus aureus, herpes virus, influenza virus and some RNA viruses. The effect appears to be related to both direct inhibition of microbial enzymes and indirect support of the host's immune response. Synergistic effects have also been observed when luteolin is combined with conventional antimicrobial strategies in preclinical models.
🧬 Cellular regulation and cancer-related research
Luteolin has been extensively studied in preclinical cancer research, where it has shown the ability to influence several central mechanisms in the cell's life cycle. This includes induction of programmed cell death (apoptosis), inhibition of uncontrolled cell proliferation, modulation of angiogenesis and reduction of metastatic potential through the influence of signaling pathways such as PI3K/Akt, Wnt/β-catenin and mTOR. It is important to emphasize that these findings mainly derive from cell and animal studies, and that luteolin is not approved as a treatment or prevention of cancer. However, the research illustrates how natural flavonoids can support the body's own regulatory mechanisms at cellular level.
❤️ Cardiovascular and metabolic support
Epidemiological studies have shown a connection between a high intake of luteolin-rich foods and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Luteolin has been investigated for its ability to support normal blood pressure regulation, lipid profile and insulin sensitivity, as well as protect tissues from oxidative damage in ischemia and reperfusion conditions.
🌿 Bio-Luteolin – improved bioavailability
A known limitation of ordinary luteolin is low bioavailability, due to poor water solubility and rapid metabolism in the intestine and liver. Bio-Luteolin is an advanced formulation developed to significantly increase absorption and systemic availability. This form combines luteolin (often from Japanese sophora) with specific galactomannans from fenugreek seeds, which protect the molecule throughout digestion and improve absorption. Studies indicate that Bio-Luteolin can provide up to 14 times higher bioavailability than unformulated luteolin, so that low doses can provide equivalent biological exposure to significantly higher amounts of standard luteolin. Bio-Luteolin has been developed for daily use and fits well into strategies for healthy ageing, cellular health and biohacking.
Technical details and use
Luteolin is usually used in capsule or powder form as a standardized plant extract. Usual doses in dietary supplements are often between 50 and 100 mg daily, while Bio-Luteolin is used in lower doses due to increased absorption. The products are normally vegetarian, gluten-free and non-GMO. Luteolin is classified as "other substances" in dietary supplements in Norway and the EU, without approved specific health claims from EFSA.
Disclaimer and disclaimer
Dietary supplements with luteolin are intended as a supplement to a varied diet and a healthy lifestyle. The effect may vary from person to person. The recommended daily dose should not be exceeded. Pregnant, lactating women and people using medication should consult a healthcare professional before use. Uno Vita AS does not claim that the products we mention can diagnose, treat, prevent or cure disease. The information is intended only as a general dissemination of knowledge.
Freedom of expression and right to information
Uno Vita disseminates publicly available research and specialist knowledge in line with freedom of expression as enshrined in Section 100 of the Constitution, Article 19 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 19 of the ICCPR and the US First Amendment.
Scientific references
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Lin Y et al. Luteolin, a flavonoid with potential for cancer prevention and therapy. Current Cancer Drug Targets, 2008
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Aziz N et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of luteolin. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2018
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Luo Y et al. Luteolin and cardiovascular protection. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 2017
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Yao J et al. Luteolin and neuroinflammation. Neurochemical Research, 2018
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Zhang Y et al. Dietary luteolin intake and mortality. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, 2023
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Gendrisch F et al. Luteolin and skin aging. BioFactors, 2021
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Raina R et al. Luteolin and apoptosis in cancer cells. Oncology Letters, 2021
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Franza L et al. Luteolin, inflammation and gut microbiota. BioFactors, 2021
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Mia Syn, MS, RD; Michael A. Smith, MD. What Are the Benefits of Bee Propolis? Life Extension Foundation, 2025
