Luteolin Reduces Brain Inflammation
Aug
25
Written by:
8/25/2008
According to a report from the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the bioflavinoid luteolin, a nutrient found in parsley, thyme, celery, peppermint, basil, and artichoke, may help reduce inflammation in the brain.
Immune Response
Researchers studied the effects of luteolin on microglia, which are immune system cells located in the brain. Microglia produce potent cytokines in response to infectious agents and toxins. This results in inflammation and the destruction of brain cells known as neurons.
Modulatory Effects of Luteolin
In this study brain cells were treated with lipolysaccharides to induce inflammation. Luteolin was added to cell cultures and it was found to reduce production of the pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 by as much as 90 percent compared to untreated cells.
In a related animal study, mice were pretreated with luteolin before they were exposed to lipopolysaccharides. In the pretreated mice, luteolin reduced IL-6 levels and received particular protection in the brain’s hippocampus, the area of the brain involved with memory and learning.
Conclusion
The studies suggest that luteolin offers protection against brain inflammation and its consequence, which can include cognitive defects. Brain inflammation can occur in various autoimmune disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
A potent antioxidant with anti-inflammatory properties, luteolin has previously been found to reduce oxidative stress in patients with toxic shock syndrome.
Resource:
Jang S, Kelley KW, Johnson RW, Luteolin reduces IL-6 production in microglia by inhibiting JNK phosphorylation and activation of AP-1. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2008 May 27;105(21):753-9.