Luteolin is a yellow-pigmented flavonoid naturally present in celery, parsley, chamomile, thyme, and many other plants that humans have eaten and used medicinally for thousands of years. It belongs to the flavone subclass of polyphenols and is one of the most widely studied plant compounds for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Scientists and clinicians have grown increasingly interested in luteolin over the past two decades as research ties it to benefits for the brain, immune system, and metabolic health.

Luteolin works mainly by blocking inflammatory signaling pathways — particularly by reducing the activity of a master inflammation switch in the body called NF-kB, which drives many chronic inflammatory conditions. It also calms overactive immune cells called mast cells, which are responsible for allergy reactions, and it acts as a potent antioxidant that neutralizes cell-damaging free radicals. In the brain, luteolin appears to support the health of neurons and may help regulate brain chemicals linked to mood and memory.

Luteolin is available as standalone capsules (typically 100–500 mg), combined flavonoid formulas (often with quercetin or rutin), and specialized delivery systems such as liposomal or olive-oil-based softgels that meaningfully improve absorption. It is also consumed naturally through a diet rich in flavonoid-dense vegetables and herbs. For therapeutic use, a supplement form is usually needed to reach clinically studied doses consistently.

• Brain fog and cognitive decline
• Anxiety and mood
• Allergies and hay fever
• Chronic inflammation
• Autism spectrum support
• Asthma and respiratory allergies
• Metabolic health and blood sugar
• Skin inflammation and eczema
• Prostate health
• ADHD and attention

• Neuroinflammation-related cognitive decline
• Allergic sensitization through mast cell stabilization
• Oxidative stress-related cellular damage

• Fresh parsley — One of the single highest dietary sources of luteolin — a small handful of fresh parsley provides a meaningful amount, far more than most other common foods.
• Celery (especially leaves) — Both the stalks and especially the leaves are rich in luteolin; celery is one of the most practical everyday sources of this flavonoid.
• Fresh thyme and oregano — Culinary herbs like thyme and oregano are concentrated sources of luteolin per gram — using them generously in cooking provides a consistent daily intake.
• Chamomile tea — Chamomile flowers are among the richest plant sources of luteolin, and brewed chamomile tea delivers a meaningful dose in a bioavailable liquid form.
• Green bell peppers — Green bell peppers provide a solid amount of luteolin and are easy to eat daily raw or cooked, making them one of the most accessible everyday sources.

• Mild digestive upset or nausea (especially on an empty stomach at higher doses)
• Possible headache when first starting
• Theoretical hormonal effects at very high doses (luteolin has mild estrogen-modulating activity)
• Rare allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to flavonoid-rich plants
• May lower blood pressure slightly — monitor if already on antihypertensives

• Recommended daily: 100–300 mg/day for general anti-inflammatory and antioxidant support; research in autism spectrum and neuroinflammation has used 200–400 mg/day, often split into two doses
• Best time of day: Morning or midday; split dosing (AM + midday) used in most clinical protocols
• With or without food: Always take with food containing some fat — luteolin is fat-soluble and absorption increases significantly with a meal. Olive oil-based or phospholipid-complexed forms are absorbed better than plain powder capsules.
• Time to effect: Allergy and acute anti-inflammatory effects: days to 2 weeks; cognitive and mood benefits: 4–8 weeks; longer for sustained neurological support
• How long to take it: Can be taken continuously at standard doses; most research protocols run 3–6 months. No established need to cycle, but periodic breaks (e.g., 1 month off every 3–4 months) are a reasonable precaution with long-term use at higher doses.