Luteolin
Luteolin is a naturally occurring compound found in foods including parsley, artichoke leaves, celery, peppers, olive oil, rosemary, lemons, peppermint, sage, thyme, and many others. Luteolin has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anticancer, and immune-modulating properties to suppress hyperactive immune systems. Luteolin is a potent hypoglycemic agent and improves insulin sensitivity. Luteolin may help promote healthy blood glucose levels and help in weight management for Syndrome X. Externally luteolin can be used for skin allergic/inflammatory disorders and for skin cancer prevention. Luteolin is a promising agent for use in ophthalmology: for prevention and treatment of cataract and of vascular eye disorders. Luteolin is an active inhibitor of different hyaluronidases, which modify hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid, a heteropolysaccharide, is one the polymers that accounts for the toughness and flexibility of cartilage and tendon.
Luteolin can helps the body withstand radiation and chemotherapy. In a study from Japan, researchers went looking for the factor in rooibos tea that was protecting DNA from radiation-induced free radicals. They discovered that the protective factor is luteolin. They then treated mice with pure luteolin. The flavonoid gave dramatic protection to the bone marrow and spleen against radiation. It was better than any other plant derivative tested (see Free Radicals chart). They then tested luteolin in conjunction with doxorubicin (Adriamycin), a common chemo-therapeutic drug known for its cardiac and bone marrow toxicity. Doxorubicin caused lipid peroxidation to rise in bone marrow to 5.9 times normal and cardiac rose to 1.5 times normal. Luteolin provided dramatic protection against this drug-induced free radical damage. Bone marrow peroxidation decreased 91% and CPK levels (an indication of heart damage) were normalized by luteolin. Importantly, luteolin did not interfere with the therapeutic effects of doxorubicin.
Luteolin exhibits spasmolytic effects: Luteolin significantly antagonized acetylcholine- and histamine-induced contraction of smooth muscle in the guinea pig model of modified air overflow, and showed strong anti-histamine properties. Luteolin displays anti-leishmanial activity. Luteolin displays strong antinociceptive (against pain originating from peripheral nerves) action in mice. This is in accordance with the fact that Luteolin is an active principle of Brazilian plant Wedelia paludosa, traditionally used against the variety of disorders, including painful conditions. Luteolin is a Super-Nutrient from a class of naturally occurring molecules known as bioflavonoids. Luteolin neutralizes free radicals such as superoxide, the hydroxyl radical, and other reactive oxygen compounds to help reduce oxidative stress and may help reduce inflammation, regulate hyperactive immune systems, and promote healthy carbohydrate metabolism.
CAS No.: 491-70-3
Molecular Formula: C15H12O6
Molecular Weight: 288.26
Specification
Characteristic: Yellow crystalline powder
Purity(HPLC): 98.0% min.
Continue reading here: Ipriflavone
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