A powerful pair for health
What is Luteolin?
You’ve probably eaten luteolin before if you’re a fan of broccoli, thyme, celery, and other green veggies. Luteolin is a plant compound called a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables. Researchers have become really interested in it lately for its potential health benefits.
Luteolin is Crazy Versatile
Studies have shown luteolin acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anticancer agent. That’s a lot of versatility! By stopping new blood vessels from forming, causing cancer cells to self-destruct, and making cancer cells more sensitive to chemo, luteolin seems to have skills for both preventing and treating cancer. Its ability to protect brain cells also makes it a promising candidate for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Luteolin Activates NRF2, the Body’s Antioxidant Defender
One of the key ways luteolin promotes health is by interacting with a protein called NRF2. NRF2 is kind of like the superhero defender against oxidative stress in your cells. Usually NRF2 lies dormant, but when activated, it swoops into the cell’s nucleus and turns on genes that produce antioxidants and other protective enzymes.
Studies suggest luteolin can epigenetically activate NRF2. Basically, luteolin modifies NRF2’s DNA in a way that boosts its activity. This leads to more NRF2 being produced and more antioxidant genes getting switched on. By kickstarting NRF2, luteolin reinforces our natural antioxidant defenses.
Revving Up NRF2 May Help Fight Chronic Disease
The fact that luteolin can get NRF2 off the couch and into action is great news for our health. Boosting NRF2 improves the body’s ability to quench oxidative stress, which is involved in many chronic illnesses. Experts think that through NRF2, luteolin may help prevent and treat conditions like neurodegeneration, cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. More human research is needed to know for sure, but so far, the findings look hopeful!
The Takeaway
Luteolin is a plant compound with many potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. Studies suggest it can activate the NRF2 pathway, our built-in antioxidant defense system. By revving up NRF2, luteolin may help fight against chronic diseases linked to oxidative stress. While more research is needed, these early findings make luteolin look like a promising health-booster!
References:
[1] Divyajanani S, Harithpriya K, Ganesan K, Ramkumar KM. Dietary Polyphenols Remodel DNA Methylation Patterns of NRF2 in Chronic Disease. Nutrients. 2023 Jul 27;15(15):3347.
[2] Lopez-Lazaro M. Distribution and biological activities of the flavonoid luteolin. Mini Rev. Med. Chem. 2009;9:31–59.
[3] Ke R., Vohra M., Casper R. Prolonged inhibition of human myometrial contractility by intermittent isoproterenol. Am. J. Obstet. Gynecol. 1984;149:841–844.
[4] Zuo Q., Wu R., Xiao X., Yang C., Yang Y., Wang C., Lin L., Kong A.N. The dietary flavone luteolin epigenetically activates the NRF2 pathway and blocks cell transformation in human colorectal cancer HCT116 cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 2018;119:9573–9582.
[5] Loboda A, Damulewicz M, Pyza E, Jozkowicz A, Dulak J. Role of NRF2/HO-1 system in development, oxidative stress response and diseases: an evolutionarily conserved mechanism. Cell Mol Life Sci. 2016;73(17):3221-3247.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is based on research findings from studies conducted in vitro (in a laboratory setting) and in animal models. Human clinical trials are necessary to determine the efficacy and safety of luteolin for the prevention and treatment of health conditions. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new dietary supplement or health regimen.