Luteolin (3', 4’, 5, 7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a naturally occurring flavonoid abundant in herbs, vegetables, and citrus fruits, contributing to its presence in the human diet. This flavonoid has garnered significant interest due to its extensive biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular benefits. Its molecular structure, characterized by hydroxyl groups at specific positions on a flavone backbone, underpins its potent bioactivities. However, luteolin's therapeutic application is limited by poor water solubility and low bioavailability, which has prompted research into advanced delivery systems such as nanoparticles and liposomal formulations. This review provides an in-depth analysis of luteolin's chemical properties, biological effects, and potential therapeutic applications. Key findings highlight its ability to scavenge reactive oxygen species, modulate inflammatory signaling pathways, inhibit cancer cell proliferation and angiogenesis, protect neuronal cells from oxidative stress, and enhance cardiovascular health. Despite promising preclinical results, further studies, particularly clinical trials, are essential to validate luteolin’s efficacy and safety in human health. This review underscores luteolin's potential as a therapeutic agent for managing chronic diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Bioavailability, Luteolin

Luteolin is a naturally occurring flavonoid with significant pharmacological potential due to its diverse biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties. Its ability to modulate multiple molecular pathways makes it a promising candidate for the prevention and treatment of chronic diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. However, despite its broad therapeutic potential, luteolin’s clinical application is significantly hindered by its poor bioavailability, primarily due to its low water solubility, extensive metabolism, and limited systemic absorption. Recent advancements in drug delivery strategies have focused on improving luteolin's pharmacokinetic profile to enhance its bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy. Innovative approaches such as nanoparticle-based formulations, liposomes, micelles, self-emulsifying drug delivery systems (SEDDS), and phytosomes have demonstrated promising results in increasing luteolin’s solubility, stability, and absorption. These strategies not only enhance its systemic circulation but also enable targeted delivery, thereby optimizing its therapeutic potential. Additionally, prodrug formulations have emerged as an effective means to overcome rapid metabolism, ensuring sustained release and prolonged biological activity. Despite these advancements, further research is required to optimize luteolin-based formulations for clinical applications. Future studies should focus on developing multifunctional drug delivery systems that integrate various bioavailability enhancement strategies while ensuring safety, efficacy, and minimal side effects. Additionally, pharmacokinetic and clinical trials are essential to validate the effectiveness of these formulations in human subjects. As research continues to advance, luteolin holds great promise as a bioactive compound with the potential to revolutionize therapeutic strategies for various chronic diseases.

Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim (2025). Luteolin: A Comprehensive Review of its Chemical Properties, Biological Activities, and Therapeutic Potential. International Journal on Emerging Technologies, 16(1): 97–100.