Luteolin
Flavonoid from herbs and vegetables with anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, and possibly neuroprotective effects, mostly shown in cells and animals.
Summary
Debbie describes luteolin (not lutein) as a flavonoid that in cell and animal studies suppresses TNF-alpha and IL-6, calms microglia, stabilizes mast cells, boosts mitochondrial complex I and II, and aids sleep in animals. Its possible Alzheimer's benefit, by blocking the O-glycosylation step involved in amyloid-beta production, is theoretical and not proven in humans. The main human data she cites is a study in children with autism, where a luteolin-containing supplement lowered TNF-alpha. She also lists it as a natural CD38 inhibitor and a SIRT6 modulator.
"Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective… sounds like a winner for longevity and healthspan." Not in her January 2026 stack.From Luteolin: Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory
The evidence
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Human obs.
In a small human study (design not described as randomized), children with autism who improved on a luteolin-containing formulation had lower serum TNF and IL-6.
Read the study Discussed in Resilience in Aging: Salutogenesis -
Animal
Animal studies show luteolin inhibits neuroinflammation by controlling microglia activation.
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Animal
In a mouse model of Alzheimer's, luteolin protected against amyloid-beta memory dysfunction and increased SOD and glutathione.
Discussed in Luteolin: Neuroprotective and Anti-Inflammatory -
Animal
In animals given a sleep drug, luteolin increased total and non-REM sleep via the adenosine receptor.
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Cell
In cell studies, luteolin inhibits TNF-alpha and IL-6 release by suppressing NF-kB.
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Cell
A cell screen of over a thousand natural compounds found luteolin increases mitochondrial complex I and II and cellular ATP without toxicity.
Doses used in studies
Amounts reported in the research, not dosing recommendations.
| Dose | Context |
|---|---|
| Luteolin 100 mg + quercetin 70 mg | Supplement studied in children with autism; reduced TNF-alpha |
Cautions
- Luteolin is broken down by COMT; people with low COMT function may want to be cautious with high doses and watch for mood swings or irritability when stacking with methylfolate, methyl-B12, or SAMe.
- Luteolin inhibits CYP2B6, CYP2C9, and CYP2D6, which also break down some prescription drugs; check with a doctor or pharmacist.
- Luteolin may inhibit estrogen; she would avoid it while pregnant or trying to conceive.
- Don't confuse luteolin with lutein (the eye-health carotenoid) when buying supplements.