Luteolin (Flavone · Mast Cell Stabiliser · Neuroinflammation Modulator)
| CAS No. | 491-70-3 |
| Class | Polyphenol · Flavone · Flavonoid |
| Source | Apium graveolens (Celery) seeds and leaves; Matricaria chamomilla (Chamomile) flowers; parsley, thyme, oregano, rosemary, dandelion |
| Claim strength | Moderate |
| Buy from Herbuno | Luteolin 98% Powder (Japanese Pagoda Tree) | High-Purity Isolate | Sophora japonica → |
Structural identity: Luteolin is a tetrahydroxy flavone related to apigenin, differing by an additional 3′-hydroxyl group on the B-ring — the same structural modification that distinguishes quercetin from kaempferol in the flavonol series. Mechanistic breadth: It inhibits NF-κB, AP-1, COX-1/2, iNOS, and lipoxygenase simultaneously — one of the most comprehensive anti-inflammatory profiles among dietary flavones — and is the flavone most consistently studied for neuroinflammation modulation. Mast cell research: Comparative studies consistently identify luteolin as among the most potent dietary mast cell stabilisers, achieving IgE-mediated degranulation inhibition at lower concentrations than quercetin in head-to-head models. Clinical exploration: A small pilot trial in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) — based on the hypothesis that mast cell-mediated neuroinflammation contributes to symptom severity — documented behavioural improvements with a luteolin-containing preparation, driving significant research interest.
Evidence for Mast Cell Stabilisation, Neuroinflammation & Antioxidant Support
Mast cell stabilisation: Inhibits IgE-mediated and non-IgE-mediated mast cell degranulation, histamine release, and mast cell-derived TNF-α and IL-6. Achieves mast cell inhibition at lower concentrations than quercetin in several comparative studies. Claim strength: Moderate.
Neuroinflammation modulation: Crosses the blood-brain barrier, suppresses microglial activation, and reduces brain TNF-α and IL-1β in neuroinflammation models. Protects hippocampal neurons from LPS-induced damage and improves cognitive performance in neuroinflammation-induced memory deficit models. ASD pilot trial documents behavioural improvements (significant study limitations apply). Claim strength: Emerging.
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory: Tetrahydroxy structure provides strong radical-scavenging capacity. Inhibits NF-κB, AP-1, COX-1/2, iNOS, and lipoxygenase across multiple cell and tissue types. Claim strength: Moderate.
Luteolin 98% Powder (Japanese Pagoda Tree) | High-Purity Isolate | Sophora japonica →
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Dosage, Bioavailability & Formulator Specification
Clinical dose: 50–200 mg/day of luteolin in human studies. ASD pilot used a luteolin + quercetin combined preparation at 200 mg/day. Dietary intake is 1–10 mg/day from typical Western diets — far below supplemental doses.
Bioavailability: Low and variable for luteolin aglycone, similar to other flavone aglycones. Luteolin-7-glucoside (from parsley) absorbs more efficiently in the small intestine. Delivery enhancement (phytosome, liposomal) significantly improves plasma concentrations.
Commercial source: Isolated luteolin at 98% is primarily produced from Sophora japonica as a byproduct of rutin extraction — making it cost-effective relative to other isolated flavones. Declare source botanical on the CoA and product label.
Synergistic pairs: Quercetin (mast cell stabilisation stack; overlapping but complementary mechanisms), palmitoylethanolamide/PEA (neuroinflammation formulations), apigenin (flavone combination for calming + anti-inflammatory support), omega-3 DHA (comprehensive neuroinflammation approach).
Frequently Asked Questions — Luteolin
How does luteolin compare to quercetin for allergy and inflammation?
Both are potent flavonoid anti-inflammatory compounds and mast cell stabilisers, but luteolin (a flavone) consistently shows stronger mast cell stabilisation at lower concentrations than quercetin (a flavonol) in comparative studies. Quercetin has stronger documented effects on NF-κB and a broader overall evidence base. The two are frequently combined because their mechanisms are complementary rather than redundant.
Can luteolin be used for brain and cognitive health?
Luteolin crosses the blood-brain barrier and suppresses microglial neuroinflammation — increasingly recognised as a contributor to age-related cognitive decline. Animal models consistently show neuroprotection. Human evidence is limited but mechanistically compelling. Best positioned as a complementary ingredient alongside compounds with stronger clinical evidence: phosphatidylserine, ginkgo, bacosides, omega-3 DHA.
What are the best food sources of luteolin?
Celery seeds, parsley, and dried herbs (thyme, rosemary, oregano) are the richest sources. Chamomile tea provides luteolin alongside apigenin. Typical Western dietary intake is 1–10 mg/day — well below supplemental doses of 50–200 mg/day.
Is luteolin from Sophora japonica the same as from celery?
Chemically identical — luteolin is luteolin regardless of source. Commercial isolate is primarily from Sophora japonica as a byproduct of rutin production, making it cost-effective. Source botanical should be declared on the CoA and finished product label.
Claim-strength scale – High = multiple human RCTs; Moderate = limited trials or strong preclinical convergence; Emerging = early-stage lab or animal data.
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