The Flavone Luteolin Improves Central Nervous System Disorders by Different Mechanisms: A Review

Development and design of agents derived from natural sources with neuroprotective properties have received considerable attention. In the literature, it has been stated that these polyphenolic molecules have low adverse impacts and high efficacy when used in pathological conditions. Dietary flavonoids as a subgroup of polyphenols are bioactive products, extracted from several types of vegetables and fruits. Luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, LUT) is a widespread flavone known to have antioxidant and cytoprotective properties related to nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-(Nrf2) pathway. Extensive in vitro and in vivo investigations have indicated that LUT exhibits beneficial neuroprotective properties via different mechanisms. However, its psychopharmacological mechanisms are presently investigated in fewer studies. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective impacts of LUT against central nervous system (CNS) disorders by reviewing available literature. Herein, we also reviewed the studies to understand the underlying mechanisms of LUT for curing CNS disorders.