Ibrahim International Journal on Emerging Technologies 16(1): 97-100(2025) 97 e t International Journal on Emerging Technologies 16(1): 97-100(2025) ISSN No. (Print): 0975-8364 ISSN No. (Online): 2249-3255 Luteolin: A Comprehensive Review of its Chemical Properties, Biological Activities, and Therapeutic Potential Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim* Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja, Nigeria. (Corresponding author: Ibrahim Mohammed Ibrahim*) (Received 11 December 2024, Revised 28 January 2025, Accepted 12 February 2025) (Published by Research Trend, Website: www.researchtrend.net) ABSTRACT: 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 e ssential 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. Keywords: Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory, Anticancer, Bioavailability, Luteolin. INTRODUCTION Luteolin (3', 4’, 5, 7-tetrahydroxyflavone) is a naturally occurring flavonoid, belonging to the flavone subclass of polyphenolic compounds, widely distributed in the plant kingdom. It is commonly found in a variety of dietary sources, including herbs (such as parsley, thyme, and rosemary), vegetables (like celery, broccoli, and carrots), fruits (particularly citrus fruits), and even olive oil and tea. These sources make luteolin an integral component of the regular human diet, contributing to its potential health benefits (Zhao et al., 2020). Due to its presence in diverse food items, luteolin has been studied extensively for its various biological effects and its role in maintaining overall health. The interest in luteolin has grown significantly in recent years due to its broad spectrum of pharmacological activities. It exhibits remarkable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, and neuroprotective properties, making it a promising candidate for therapeutic applications (Zhang et al., 2023). Structurally, luteolin consists of a flavone backbone with hydroxyl groups at positions 3', 4', 5, and 7, which play a crucial role in its biological activities. These hydroxyl groups contribute to its potent free radical scavenging ability, which is essential in reducing oxidative stress—a major factor in the progression of chronic diseases (Cho and Dua 2022). As oxidative stress and inflammation are key contributors to various pathological conditions, luteolin's dual antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a compelling subject of research. Numerous studies have highlighted luteolin’s potential in the treatment and prevention of chronic diseases. For instance, its anticancer effects have been demonstrated in various cancer models, including breast, lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers, where it has been shown to inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and suppress metastasis (Wang et al., 2023). Similarly, its cardioprotective effects are attributed to its ability to reduce oxidative damage, improve endothelial function, and regulate lipid metabolism, which are crucial in preventing cardiovascular diseases (Sun et al., 2021). Additionally, its neuroprotective potential has been explored in the context of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases, where it has been found to mitigate neuronal damage and inhibit neuroinflammation (Han et al., 2021). Given the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases worldwide, there is a strong need to explore naturally derived bioactive compounds with minimal side effects. Luteolin stands out as a promising candidate due to its multi-targeted mechanisms and bioavailability from commonly consumed dietary sources. However, despite