Luteolin is a flavonoid found in greenish-yellow plant tissues and herbs. It has potential health benefits, including acting as a free radical scavenger and anti-inflammatory agent, but may also have negative effects. It can be found in celery, green bell peppers, carrots, olive oil, and artichokes. Luteolin supplements are available, but caution should be exercised before adding them to a health plan.
Luteolin is a biological substance, usually found in greenish-yellow plant tissues. It is a specific member of the much broader category of plant compounds known as flavonoids, whose properties are of interest to science and medicine. It occurs naturally in a variety of foods and in a much wider variety of herbs and plants that are edible but rarely eaten. Some scientific studies have attributed a number of health benefits to the consumption of luteolin, specifically, and the entire category of flavonoids in general. Research on the potential health benefits of these substances is still ongoing, and not yet conclusive, but luteolin supplements are commercially available.
Flavonoids are produced by plants primarily for their pigmentation properties. Many of the colors used by plants to attract pollinating insects are produced by flavonoid compounds. Flavonoids are generally believed to possess medically useful properties, and have frequently been shown to function as free radical scavengers and anti-inflammatory agents.
The best dietary sources of luteolin are celery, green bell peppers, carrots, olive oil, and artichokes, and it is also found in many commonly used herbs such as thyme, parsley, and oregano. Many plants that are edible but not normally eaten are also very rich in luteolin. Dandelions, for example, are a very good source of this biological compound, as well as being nutritious in other ways.
Scientists have investigated several potential health benefits of luteolin consumption. Initial research on the effects of the compound was promising, suggesting several potential health benefits and medical uses. Like all flavonoids, it serves to scavenge free radicals and can act as an anti-inflammatory agent. It is likely to be helpful in treating or preventing certain types of cancer and may offer relief from diarrhea. It might also serve to reduce the severity of undesirable immune responses, which could be helpful in treating autoimmune disorders or reducing the severity of allergy symptoms.
Luteolin can also have some negative effects. Some studies have linked flavonoids to increased vulnerability to cancers, including leukemia, in unborn babies. Although the exact ideal dose of luteolin is uncertain, it and the other flavonoid compounds are available in a variety of nutritional supplements. As with all nutritional supplements, caution should be exercised before adding them to a health plan, and specific brands and their reputation for purity and quality should be researched before selecting a supplement.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
