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Inflammation,
TNF-alpha, and Apoptosis
When
compared to other flavonoids, only luteolin and quercetin inhibited
platelet-activating factor and suppressed a type of inflammatory
response induced by allergens by inhibiting lipoxygenase. Luteolin inhibited the excess production of TNF-alpha,
which directly causes inflammation and apoptosis (cell death). The scientists who conducted
the study concluded that luteolin could be used to develop a
novel type of anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic drugs. (93).
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Flavonoids
and Vitamin C
A study assessed
the antioxidant potencies of several dietary flavonoids compared
with vitamin C. Pretreatment with all flavonoids and vitamin C
produced dose-dependent reductions in oxidative DNA damage. When
ranked in order of potency, luteolin was two times more effective
than vitamin C by the Trolox test and more effective than seven
other flavonoids in reducing DNA oxidative damage. |
Fibrosarcoma
in Mice
When luteolin
is supplemented in the diet of these mice, fibrosarcoma rates
decline by 40%. The scientists stated that mode of action may
be through their influence on the initiation and promotion phases
of the carcinogenic process coupled with enhancement of the detoxification
process. When a group of plant extracts were evaluated to ascertain
if they could maintain normal cell regulation, luteolin demonstrated
the highest anti-proliferative activity! |
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Healthy
Methylation
Enzymatic and
genetic activity throughout the body depends on the continuous
re-methylation of DNA. The age related breakdown of youthful methylation
metabolism predisposes the body to a wide range of degenerative
diseases. Maintaining healthy methylation patterns protects against
DNA mutations that damage cells and can cause cancer. |
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