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Luteolin

Evidence Level
Limited
2 Clinical Trials
5 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Luteolin is a flavone found in parsley, celery, broccoli, artichoke, peppers, and various herbs. Studied for anti-inflammatory effects, mast cell stabilization (allergy/inflammation), neuroprotection, and as a senolytic. Particularly notable for mast cell modulation — used in mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS) protocols. Active in atherosclerosis, autoimmunity, and cognitive decline research. One of the senolytic flavonoids identified by Mayo Clinic screening.

Studied Dose 100-300 mg/day general use; mast cell protocols often use luteolin 100-200 mg with quercetin and other flavonoids
Active Compound Luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone)

Benefits

Mast Cell Stabilization

Luteolin is a potent inhibitor of mast cell degranulation — mast cells release histamine, tryptase, and inflammatory mediators in allergies and mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). Theoharides 2015 and others establish luteolin as foundational MCAS supplement. Often combined with quercetin.

Supported by Trial 2

Neuroinflammation Reduction

Microglial activation drives neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's, autism, and chronic neurological conditions. Luteolin reduces microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines in animal models. Theoretical autism spectrum applications.

Supported by Trial 1, Trial 2

Cancer Chemoprevention Research

Extensive in vitro evidence: induces apoptosis, inhibits angiogenesis, reduces metastasis in cancer cell lines. Animal models show tumor growth reduction. Human clinical translation limited.

Supported by Trial 2

Cardiovascular Anti-Atherosclerotic Effects

Reduces LDL oxidation, vascular inflammation, and adhesion molecule expression — anti-atherosclerotic mechanisms. Modest cholesterol effects. Mostly mechanistic and animal evidence.

Supported by Trial 2

Senolytic Activity (Adjunctive)

Identified along with fisetin in Mayo Clinic flavonoid screening as having senolytic activity, though less potent than fisetin. Component of multi-flavonoid longevity stacks.

Supported by Trial 1

Mechanism of action

1

Mast Cell Stabilization

Luteolin inhibits mast cell degranulation by stabilizing mast cell membranes and inhibiting calcium-dependent degranulation pathways. Reduces histamine, tryptase, and cytokine release. Foundational mechanism for allergy/MCAS application.

2

NF-κB Pathway Inhibition

Inhibits NF-κB activation — reducing pro-inflammatory gene expression (TNF-alpha, IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, iNOS). Broad anti-inflammatory profile.

3

Microglial Modulation (Brain)

Reduces activated microglia (the brain's immune cells) — relevant for neuroinflammation in chronic neurological conditions. Crosses blood-brain barrier.

4

Histamine N-Methyltransferase Effects

Modest inhibition of histamine breakdown enzymes balanced against mast cell stabilization — net effect depends on context. Generally anti-allergic clinically.

Clinical trials

1
Luteolin for Autism Spectrum Disorders

Open-label trial of luteolin formulation (with quercetin and rutin in liposomal form) in children with ASD over 26 weeks.

37 children with ASD.

Open-label improvements in adaptive behaviors, communication, social interaction, and GI symptoms. Critical caveat: open-label, no placebo control; subsequent placebo-controlled trials less robust. Theoretical mechanism (neuroinflammation reduction) has gained interest.

2
Luteolin for Mast Cell Activation — Theoharides Series

Multiple papers and case series by Theoharides et al. on luteolin as mast cell stabilizer for MCAS, chronic urticaria, related conditions.

MCAS patients, chronic urticaria patients.

Modest symptom improvements in mast cell-related conditions. Open-label/observational primarily; rigorous clinical trials limited. Foundational supplement in functional medicine MCAS protocols.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well-tolerated.
GI distress at high doses.
Headache rare.
Theoretical bleeding risk at very high doses (flavonoid platelet effects).
Liposomal forms may cause loose stools.
Allergic reactions to plant source material possible.
Possible thyroid effects at very high doses (theoretical; some flavonoids inhibit thyroid peroxidase).

Important Drug interactions

Anticoagulants — theoretical bleeding risk at high doses.
Antihistamines — additive antihistaminic / mast cell effects (typically beneficial in MCAS).
Mast cell stabilizers (cromolyn) — additive; typically used together in MCAS protocols.
Hormone-sensitive conditions — theoretical aromatase effects (modest at supplemental doses).
Chemotherapy — theoretical interactions; consult oncologist.
CYP-metabolized drugs — luteolin modulates CYP enzymes in vitro; theoretical interactions.

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Frequently asked questions about Luteolin

What is luteolin used for?

Luteolin is a flavonoid found in herbs like parsley, thyme, and celery. It is studied for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support, healthy immune and histamine response, and brain health, and is popular in mast-cell and allergy formulas.

What is luteolin good for?

It is used for calming an overactive histamine and inflammatory response (so it appears in allergy and mast-cell support products) and is studied for neuroprotective and cognitive support. It is often combined with quercetin.

How much luteolin should I take?

Doses commonly range from about 100 to 300 mg per day, often within flavonoid blends. It is fat-soluble, so taking it with food aids absorption. Follow product labeling.

Is luteolin safe?

It is generally well tolerated. As with many flavonoids, it may interact with certain medications and have mild blood-thinning activity, so check with your doctor if you take prescriptions.

What is Luteolin?

Luteolin is a flavone found in parsley, celery, broccoli, artichoke, peppers, and various herbs. Studied for anti-inflammatory effects, mast cell stabilization (allergy/inflammation), neuroprotection, and as a senolytic.

What is the recommended dosage of Luteolin?

The clinically studied dose is 100-300 mg/day general use; mast cell protocols often use luteolin 100-200 mg with quercetin and other flavonoids Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Luteolin safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Luteolin is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well-tolerated. GI distress at high doses. It may also interact with some medications. Luteolin is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Luteolin interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Anticoagulants — theoretical bleeding risk at high doses. Antihistamines — additive antihistaminic / mast cell effects (typically beneficial in MCAS). If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Luteolin?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Luteolin as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 3 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(3 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Kritas SK, Saggini A, Varvara G, Murmura G, Caraffa A, Antinolfi P, Toniato E, Pantalone A, Neri G, Frydas S, Rosati M, Tei M, Speziali A, Saggini R, Pandolfi F, Cerulli G, Theoharides TC, Conti P Luteolin inhibits mast cell-mediated allergic inflammation. Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents. 2013;27(4):955-9..PubMedUsed to support: Demonstrates luteolin inhibits mast cell activation and release of inflammatory mediators (histamine, cytokines), supporting the Mast Cell Stabilization benefit. In-vitro/mechanistic review paper.
  2. Taliou A, Zintzaras E, Lykouras L, Francis K An open-label pilot study of a formulation containing the anti-inflammatory flavonoid luteolin and its effects on behavior in children with autism spectrum disorders. Clinical Therapeutics. 2013;35(5):592-602. doi: 10.1016/j.clinthera.2013.04.006.PubMedUsed to support: Human open-label pilot in children with ASD using a luteolin-containing formulation; observed behavioral improvements, providing preliminary human evidence for luteolin's neuroinflammation-reducing and mast-cell-modulating effects in a clinical population.
  3. Seelinger G, Merfort I, Schempp CM Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic activities of luteolin. Planta Medica. 2008;74(14):1667-77. doi: 10.1055/s-0028-1088314.PubMedUsed to support: Comprehensive review of luteolin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic mechanisms including NF-κB inhibition and mast cell effects; supports the Anti-Inflammatory, Mast Cell Stabilization, and Cardiovascular Anti-Atherosclerotic Effects benefits.