Does Luteolin Lower Uric Acid? Exploring the Scientific Evidence

December 9, 2025 •

3 min read

A 2017 clinical trial involving Japanese men with mildly elevated uric acid levels found that regular consumption of luteolin-rich chrysanthemum flower extract led to a significant reduction in serum uric acid. This discovery has sparked interest in how this natural flavonoid could help manage hyperuricemia and related conditions like gout.

Quick Summary

This article explores the mechanisms by which luteolin may reduce uric acid, including inhibiting xanthine oxidase and enhancing urate excretion. It details relevant animal and limited human studies, and provides dietary sources and comparative information on natural uric acid management.

Key Points

Inhibits Uric Acid Production: Luteolin works by competitively inhibiting xanthine oxidase, a key enzyme involved in uric acid synthesis.
Enhances Uric Acid Excretion: Studies in mice show that luteolin activates specific renal transporters to increase the urinary excretion of uric acid.
Reduces Gout-Related Inflammation: Beyond lowering uric acid, luteolin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that can mitigate gout symptoms, such as joint swelling.
Supported by Preclinical and Limited Clinical Data: Animal studies confirm luteolin's hypouricemic effects, with one human trial showing modest success in men with mildly elevated levels.
Available from Dietary Sources: Luteolin is found naturally in many foods, including parsley, celery, broccoli, and carrots, offering a dietary avenue for intake.
Bioavailability Challenges Exist: While effective in studies, luteolin's low oral bioavailability may limit its impact when consumed from food or some supplements.
Promising Natural Alternative: Luteolin offers a multi-targeted natural strategy for managing uric acid, addressing both production and excretion pathways.

Understanding Uric Acid and Hyperuricemia

Uric acid is a natural byproduct of purine metabolism in the body. Under normal circumstances, it is processed and eliminated by the kidneys. However, when there is an overproduction of uric acid or the body's ability to excrete it is compromised, levels can build up in the bloodstream, a condition known as hyperuricemia. Persistent hyperuricemia is the primary risk factor for developing gout, a painful form of inflammatory arthritis caused by uric acid crystals depositing in the joints.

The Mechanisms Behind Luteolin and Uric Acid

Emerging research suggests that luteolin, a flavonoid found in various plants, exerts a hypouricemic (uric acid-lowering) effect through several key mechanisms. These actions make it a potential natural agent for managing elevated uric acid levels.

Inhibition of Xanthine Oxidase

Luteolin can inhibit xanthine oxidase (XO), the enzyme responsible for converting purines into uric acid. It can bind to the XO protein, potentially competing with natural substrates and reducing uric acid production. This mechanism is similar to how some conventional gout medications work.

Activation of Urate Excretion Pathways

Studies suggest luteolin can also promote uric acid excretion. Research in animal models indicates it may increase the expression of certain renal proteins involved in eliminating urate from the kidneys, potentially leading to increased uric acid concentration in urine.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Luteolin's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may indirectly benefit those with high uric acid and gout. Animal studies have shown it can reduce inflammation and swelling in acute gouty arthritis and help counteract oxidative stress caused by hyperuricemia.

Evidence from Clinical and Animal Studies

Human Clinical Trials

A 2017 double-blind, placebo-controlled study found that a luteolin-rich chrysanthemum flower extract significantly reduced serum uric acid levels after 4 weeks in Japanese men with baseline levels between 5.5 and 7.0 mg/dL.

Animal Research

Several animal studies support these findings, showing that luteolin significantly reduced serum uric acid in hyperuricemic mice in a dose-dependent manner and also attenuated hyperuricemia-induced renal injury and oxidative stress.

Comparison of Luteolin with Other Uric Acid Strategies


Strategy	Mechanism	Evidence for Efficacy	Pros	Cons
Luteolin	Inhibits xanthine oxidase; Promotes urate excretion; Provides antioxidant/anti-inflammatory effects.	Confirmed in animal models and one clinical trial with mildly elevated uric acid levels.	Natural source; Multi-target action; Additional antioxidant benefits.	Limited human clinical data; Relatively low bioavailability may affect efficacy.
Dietary Changes	Limits intake of purine-rich foods and alcohol; Promotes hydration.	Widely recommended by medical professionals; Supported by observational data.	No side effects; Supports overall health.	May not be sufficient for significant hyperuricemia; Can be restrictive.
Prescription Medications (e.g., allopurinol)	Strongly inhibits xanthine oxidase to block uric acid production.	Highly effective in lowering and maintaining uric acid levels.	Powerful and reliable for high uric acid/gout.	Potential side effects; Requires prescription and medical supervision.
Vitamin C	May increase uric acid excretion.	Some studies show moderate reductions in uric acid levels.	Easily accessible; Generally safe.	Not as potent as prescription drugs; Effects may be mild.

Natural Sources of Luteolin

Luteolin is found in various foods, including:

Vegetables: Celery, broccoli, carrots, peppers, cabbage, parsley, and onion leaves.
Herbs and Spices: Thyme, mint, rosemary, and oregano.
Fruits: Apples and chrysanthemum flowers. Luteolin is also available in supplement form, though bioavailability is a consideration.

Conclusion: Luteolin's Potential for Uric Acid Management

Research indicates that luteolin has potential as a natural agent for lowering uric acid by inhibiting xanthine oxidase and promoting excretion. Animal studies show positive results, and a small human trial demonstrated an effect in individuals with mildly elevated uric acid. Further large-scale human trials are necessary to confirm these effects and determine optimal dosages. Luteolin's multiple actions on uric acid pathways and associated inflammation make it a promising area for managing elevated uric acid. Incorporating luteolin-rich foods or discussing supplementation with a healthcare provider may be beneficial for those with mildly elevated uric acid levels.

For more in-depth information on the mechanisms of luteolin's effects on hyperuricemia, a comprehensive study is available: Luteolin ameliorates hyperuricemic nephropathy by activating urate excretion and Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 antioxidant pathways in mice.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary mechanism is the inhibition of xanthine oxidase, the enzyme that produces uric acid. Luteolin binds to this enzyme and prevents it from converting purines into uric acid.

While luteolin is present in many foods like parsley, celery, and broccoli, the concentrations and bioavailability from diet may be too low for a significant therapeutic effect. Supplements often contain higher, more concentrated doses.

In one clinical study, participants taking luteolin-rich extract for 4 weeks experienced a significant reduction in serum uric acid. However, individual results may vary depending on dosage, baseline levels, and overall health.

Luteolin shows promise for managing symptoms of gout due to its anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with joint swelling and pain. However, it is not a cure and should not replace prescribed medications without consulting a doctor.

Excellent food sources include celery, parsley, broccoli, carrots, peppers, and various herbs like mint and thyme. Consuming a variety of these foods regularly can increase your intake.

Luteolin has shown a good safety profile in preclinical studies, but it should be considered a complementary approach, not a replacement for conventional medication. High doses or interactions with other drugs should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Yes, in addition to inhibiting production, animal studies have shown that luteolin can enhance the activity of uric acid transporters in the kidneys, leading to increased excretion.