1. Powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects
Antioxidant: By removing free radicals (such as hydroxyl radicals, superoxide anions), inhibiting the activity of oxidases (such as NADPH oxidase), and reducing oxidative stress damage, it can be used to fight aging, chronic diseases (such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease) and skin aging.
Anti-inflammatory: Inhibits the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway, reduces the expression of inflammatory factors (such as IL-6, TNF-α, COX-2), and has a relieving effect on arthritis, enteritis, respiratory inflammation, etc.
2. Multi-target pharmacological activity
Anti-cancer effect:
Induce tumor cell apoptosis (such as lung cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer cells);
Inhibit tumor angiogenesis and metastasis;
Regulate cell cycle and prevent cancer cell proliferation (the mechanism involves regulating proteins such as p53 and Bcl-2).
Cardiovascular protection:
Improve endothelial function and inhibit platelet aggregation;
Lower blood pressure and blood lipids, and prevent atherosclerosis.
Neuroprotection:
Crossing the blood-brain barrier, inhibiting neuroinflammation and β-amyloid deposition, it may be used as an adjuvant treatment for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.
Metabolic regulation:
Improving resistance, assisting in regulating blood sugar, and beneficial for type 2 diabetes.
3. Natural safety and low toxicity
As a plant ingredient with both medicinal and edible properties, luteolin has low toxicity at conventional doses and no obvious side effects (it should be noted that high doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation), making it suitable for long-term intake or development as a functional ingredient.
4. Potential for improving bioaccessibility
Its water solubility and bioavailability can be improved through nanocarriers (such as liposomes, microcapsules) or structural modifications (such as glycosylation), broadening its application scenarios.