Volume 119, Part A, October 2015, Pages 1–11
Highlights
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- Neurodegenerative diseases are leading causes of age related-morbidity and mortality.
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- Extensive research suggests the therapeutic role of dietary phytochemicals for the treatment of neurological disorders.
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- Luteolin suppresses inflammation and regulates different cell signaling pathways.
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- Improved formulations may overcome issues with bioavailability, metabolism, and toxicity.
Abstract
According
to the World Health Organization, two billion people will be aged 60
years or older by 2050. Aging is a major risk factor for a number of
neurodegenerative disorders. These age-related disorders currently
represent one of the most important and challenging health problems
worldwide. Therefore, much attention has been directed towards the
design and development of neuroprotective agents derived from natural
sources. These phytochemicals have demonstrated high efficacy and low
adverse effects in multiple in vitro and in vivo
studies. Among these phytochemicals, dietary flavonoids are an important
and common chemical class of bioactive products, found in several
fruits and vegetables. Luteolin is an important flavone, which is found
in several plant products, including broccoli, pepper, thyme, and
celery. Numerous studies have shown that luteolin possesses beneficial
neuroprotective effects both in vitro and in vivo.
Despite this, an overview of the neuroprotective effects of luteolin has
not yet been accomplished. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to
provide a review of the available literature regarding the
neuroprotective effects of luteolin and its molecular mechanisms of
action. Herein, we also review the available literature regarding the
chemistry of luteolin, its herbal sources, and bioavailability as a
pharmacological agent for the treatment and management of age-related
neurodegenerative disorders.
Keywords
- Alzheimer’s disease;
- Flavonoid;
- Luteolin;
- Neurotoxicity;
- Oxidative stress
Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
