luteolin is a fascinating flavonoid that is found in many of our everyday foods. flavonoids are a group of secondary plant substances with variable phenolic structures that occur in many plants. Luteolin is found mainly in herbs (thyme), vegetables and fruits.
It has a number of properties that make it not only interesting for nutritional science, but also for medical research. From his role as antioxidant to its anti-inflammatory effects – luteolin has a lot to offer. Luteolin is also of particular interest to researchers in the field of age research. It has been observed that luteolin inhibits an important enzyme (CD38) which is NAD+ directly influences the human aging process.
Where does luteolin occur?
This list gives you an overview of in which foods luteolin is foundIt is interesting to know that the amount of luteolin in these foods can vary considerably depending on various factors such as cultivation method and ripeness.
- Herbs: thyme, parsley, oregano, mint, rosemary
- Vegetables: Beets, celery, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, carrots, onions, cabbage, spinach
- Fruit: Apples (especially the peel), cherries, grapes, oranges
- Legumes: Green peas, green beans
What health properties does luteolin have?
Inhibition of CD38 and influence of luteolin on NAD metabolism
Luteolin is a substance that occurs in many plants and has the ability to inhibit the activity of an enzyme called CD38. CD38 plays an important role in the metabolism of NAD (Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), a substance that is essential for energy production and general cellular health. This interaction between luteolin, CD38 and NAD is particularly important in the context of cardiovascular disease and aging processes.
importance for cardiovascular system
If the heart does not receive enough blood for a short time (e.g. during a heart attack) and is then later supplied with blood again (this is called reperfusion), an enzyme called CD38 becomes more active. CD38 subsequently reduces the amount of an important substance called NADP(H) in the heart. NADP(H) helps produce nitric oxide (NO), an important substance that keeps our blood vessels working properly.
When NADP(H) decreases, blood vessels do not function as well. Luteolinidin, a type of luteolin, can inhibit CD38 and help retain more NADP(H). This means that the blood vessels can function better after ischemia/reperfusion.
importance for the aging process
In the context of aging, NAD is particularly relevant because a higher NAD levels is associated with improved cell function and a potential slowing of the aging process. Especially researchers like David Sinclair and Dr. Mark Hyman are convinced of the role of NAD in the longevity area.
Since CD38 helps to lower NAD levels, inhibition of CD38 by substances such as luteolin could help maintain higher NAD levels and thus delay or prevent age-related dysfunction and diseases. In addition to luteolin, quercetin and apigenin a role in CD38 inhibition.
anti-inflammatory properties
Traditionally, plants with high luteolin content have been used to treat inflammations Both isolated luteolin and extracts from luteolin-rich plants showed anti-inflammatory effects in various models.
The aim of a study was to describe the anti-inflammatory activity of luteolin based on recent research results – especially at the molecular level. This should open up the possibilities for future Research and development of luteolin as an anti-inflammatory drug will be evaluated.
The results show that luteolin and some of its derivatives, such as luteolin-7-O-glucoside, both in vitro (in the test tube) and in vivo (in living organisms) strong anti-inflammatory effects The mechanisms of action of luteolin are diverse, but important target transcription factors are Src in the NF-κB signaling pathway, MAPK in the AP-1 signaling pathway and SOCS3 in the STAT3 signaling pathway. A clinical study with a luteolin-containing formulation showed a excellent therapeutic effect in inflammation-related diseases.
In summary, current scientific evidence suggests that the main mechanism of luteolin’s pharmacological action is its anti-inflammatory activity, which is mediated by the regulation of transcription factors such as NF-κB, STAT3, and AP-1.
Antioxidant Activity of Luteolin
There are several mechanisms that support the antioxidant activity of luteolin:
- neutralization of free radicals: Luteolin acts directly as radical scavengersby binding free radicals. This prevents cell damage caused by oxidative processes.
- Modulation of antioxidant enzymes: It influences the activity of enzymes that play a key role in the body's antioxidant protection, such as superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase.
- reduction of oxidative stress: Luteolin helps reduce oxidative stress by reducing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells.
- influence on signaling pathways: It interacts with various cellular signaling pathways involved in the regulation of oxidative stress, thereby modulating the cellular response to oxidative challenges.
- protection of DNA from oxidation The molecule helps protect DNA in cells from oxidative damage, which is important for cell health and the prevention of mutations.
In MoleQlar, luteolin part of regeNAD – one NAD Booster - and from MoleQlar ONE – a longevity complex with effects on all molecular hallmarks of aging.
regeNAD is an innovatively formulated complex to increase NAD levels - with luteolin and apigenin.
heart health
Various studies have investigated how luteolin can affect heart disease, especially with regard to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cardioprotective properties:
A study found that the molecule reduces heart attack size in diabetic rats that have suffered cardiac I/R injury, improved cardiac function and reduced cell death of cardiac muscle cells. This effect was mediated by the influence on CD38 discussed above. Luteolin also works by increasing certain proteins that protect cells from death and reducing inflammatory responses.
Another study (also on rats) investigated how the secondary plant substance influences the contractility of heart muscle cells in heart failureThis is due to improved expression, activity and stability of numerous small signaling proteins. These changes improved cardiac function and reduced the formation of connective tissue instead of muscle tissue in the heart in heart failure.
A review article dealt with also with the cardioprotective (heart-protective) effectsThe publication examines how these mechanisms work in heart diseases such as ischemia/reperfusion injury, heart failure and atherosclerosis. Overall, luteolin, a flavonoid that is ubiquitous in food, is an effective protector for the cardiovascular system and a promising option in the prevention of heart disease.
protection of the nervous system
In a publication, the neuroprotective effect of luteolin on neurological trauma and neurodegenerative diseases investigatedInflammation in the nervous system can lead to neurodegenerative disorders, cognitive defects and brain damage. In the event of neurological trauma or traumatic brain injury, glial cells, neurons and neuroimmune cells in the brain are activated, releasing inflammatory mediators. This inflammatory response can lead to lasting brain damage and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.
Luteolin has shown promising properties in combating these processes in various studies. It can suppress the activation of immune cells such as mast cells and the release of inflammatory mediators from these cells. It also reduces the neuroinflammatory response, the activation of microglia and astrocytes, oxidative stress and the severity of neuroinflammatory diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis.
Luteolin and Skin Health
In another review, the role of luteolin, examined in the context of skin healthIt appears to play an important role in protecting plants, for example against UV radiation, by partially absorbing UVA and UVB raysThis property also makes the substance interesting for human skin, as it can act as a first line of defense against harmful photobiological effects.
In addition, the previously discussed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of luteolin on skin cells such as keratinocytes and fibroblasts as well as on various immune cells (e.g. macrophages, mast cells, neutrophils, dendritic cells and T cells). The molecule has been shown to inhibit inflammatory factors (such as TNF-α, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, and IL-22) suppress and regulate various signaling pathways (such as NF-κB, JAK-STAT and TLR). In this way, the secondary plant substance modulates many inflammatory processes, including those that take place in the skin.
The researchers concluded that luteolin could be a promising molecule for the development of “creamy” formulations and systemic agents against inflammatory skin diseases.
Can you supplement luteolin?
Yes, luteolin can also be taken as a dietary supplement. These supplements are often available in the form of capsules or tablets and can contain a concentrated amount of luteolin. They are particularly interesting for people who want to increase their intake of this flavonoid without consuming large amounts of the corresponding foods.
