Revisiting luteolin: An updated review on its anticancer potential

Area of Science:

• Natural Products Chemistry
• Oncology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Dietary polyphenols and flavonoids exhibit cancer-preventive properties.
• Luteolin, a flavone abundant in fruits and vegetables, is a key chemopreventive agent.
• Luteolin's anticancer activity stems from its interaction with multiple molecular targets and signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the literature on luteolin's efficacy against diverse cancer types.
• To elucidate the mechanisms of action underlying luteolin's anticancer effects.
• To highlight luteolin's role as a complementary and synergistic agent in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on luteolin and cancer.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms including apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, angiogenesis, metastasis, and proliferation.
• Examination of luteolin's role in overcoming drug resistance and mitigating chemotherapy side effects.

Main Results:

• Luteolin demonstrates efficacy in preclinical models of breast, colorectal, lung, prostate, liver, skin, pancreatic, oral, and gastric cancers.
• Mechanisms include apoptosis induction, cell cycle arrest, and reduced angiogenesis, metastasis, and proliferation.
• Luteolin exhibits antioxidant properties and can prevent Doxorubicin-induced adverse effects.

Conclusions:

• Luteolin is a promising natural compound for cancer prevention and treatment.
• Its multifaceted mechanisms make it a valuable candidate for complementary therapy and overcoming drug resistance.
• Further research into luteolin's synergistic potential is warranted.