Luteolin for Parkinson's Disease
Also known as: 3',4',5,7-Tetrahydroxyflavone
Luteolin reduces microglial activation and mast cell-mediated neuroinflammation in the nigrostriatal pathway.
Mechanism of Action
Luteolin inhibits microglial NF-κB activation, stabilizes brain mast cells that release histamine and proteases damaging to neurons, and activates Nrf2 for antioxidant defense in dopaminergic neurons.
General mechanism: Flavone. Mast cell stabilizer, NF-κB/NLRP3 inhibitor, CK2 inhibitor, BACE1 inhibitor, Nrf2 activator. Crosses BBB.
Current Evidence
Preclinical PD models show dopaminergic neuroprotection. Anti-neuroinflammatory mechanism well-characterized. No PD clinical trials.
Clinical Status: Preclinical for PD. Available as supplement.
Safety Profile
Very safe. Present in celery, peppers, parsley. Well-tolerated as supplement. No significant side effects.
Key Research Questions
- Can luteolin address PD neuroinflammation as an adjunct to dopaminergic therapy?
- Does long-term luteolin supplementation reduce PD risk?