Does Luteolin Raise Blood Pressure? Unpacking the Science of This Flavonoid

November 4, 2025 •

3 min read

Contrary to concerns about it elevating blood pressure, research consistently shows that luteolin, a flavonoid found in many fruits and vegetables, actually exhibits antihypertensive effects in animal studies and offers significant cardioprotective benefits. This article delves into the mechanisms through which luteolin supports cardiovascular health, helping to clarify the misconception and providing valuable context for its role in a healthy diet.

Quick Summary

An examination of scientific studies reveals that luteolin, a natural flavonoid, tends to lower or regulate blood pressure, primarily through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. This effect appears to counteract, rather than cause, high blood pressure by improving vascular function and reducing oxidative stress. It is found in many plant-based foods, reinforcing its role in promoting cardiovascular wellness as part of a balanced diet.

Key Points

Antihypertensive Properties: Luteolin has been shown in scientific studies to have antihypertensive effects in animal models, meaning it helps to lower or regulate blood pressure.
Not a Cause of High Blood Pressure: The concern that luteolin might raise blood pressure is a misconception; scientific evidence does not support this claim.
Supports Vascular Health: It benefits the cardiovascular system by improving endothelial function and inhibiting the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.
Acts as an Antioxidant: As a potent antioxidant, luteolin helps reduce oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to high blood pressure.
Exhibits Anti-inflammatory Effects: Its anti-inflammatory properties help protect blood vessels from chronic inflammation, a known factor in cardiovascular disease.
Modulates the Renin-Angiotensin System: Evidence suggests luteolin can downregulate the expression of certain receptors in the kidneys, which helps normalize blood pressure.
Found in Healthy Foods: Luteolin is naturally present in foods like celery, parsley, artichokes, and green peppers, making dietary intake a safe option.

Understanding Luteolin and Its Cardiovascular Effects

Luteolin is a natural flavonoid, a type of plant-based antioxidant, that is widely present in many common foods. The idea that luteolin might increase blood pressure is a common misconception that is not supported by scientific evidence. A significant body of research, particularly in animal models, suggests the opposite: that luteolin can help reduce and regulate blood pressure and has overall benefits for cardiovascular health.

The Antihypertensive Mechanisms of Luteolin

Scientific studies have explored several pathways through which luteolin exerts a positive effect on blood pressure. These mechanisms include:

Reducing oxidative stress: Luteolin acts as a powerful antioxidant, scavenging free radicals that can damage blood vessels and contribute to hypertension. By reducing oxidative stress, it helps maintain the health and function of the vascular system.
Modulating inflammatory responses: Chronic inflammation is a key factor in the development of many cardiovascular diseases, including hypertension. Luteolin has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting inflammatory cytokines, which helps protect blood vessels from inflammatory damage and dysfunction.
Inhibiting vascular remodeling: In studies on spontaneously hypertensive rats, luteolin was found to inhibit the proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells. This process, known as vascular remodeling, contributes to the stiffening of arteries and is a significant factor in high blood pressure. Luteolin's ability to interfere with this process suggests a direct mechanism for its blood pressure-lowering effects.
Regulating the Renin-Angiotensin System: Research indicates that luteolin can modulate the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure. In animal studies, it has been shown to downregulate renal angiotensin II and mineralocorticoid receptors, which helps to normalize blood pressure.

Food Sources Rich in Luteolin

Incorporating luteolin into your diet can be done by consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. These natural sources provide a safe and effective way to benefit from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties without relying solely on supplements.

Common dietary sources of luteolin:

Celery
Parsley
Green bell peppers
Artichokes
Dried oregano and sage
Carrots
Peppermint
Chamomile tea

Comparing Luteolin's Effects to Other Flavonoids

Like many other flavonoids, luteolin's mechanism of action involves mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress. However, each flavonoid may have specific targets and potencies. The following table compares luteolin with another well-known flavonoid, quercetin, regarding their cardiovascular impact.


Feature	Luteolin	Quercetin
Primary Cardiovascular Mechanism	Downregulates Angiotensin II receptors and inhibits vascular remodeling.	Improves endothelial function and reduces blood pressure.
Anti-Inflammatory Action	Inhibits proinflammatory cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-6) and NF-κB activity.	Blocks the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and inhibits inflammatory pathways.
Antioxidant Capacity	Acts as a potent scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS).	High antioxidant capacity from its structure, contributing to endothelial protection.
Natural Sources	Celery, parsley, oregano, artichokes, and green peppers.	Onions, apples, berries, grapes, and tea.
Bioavailability	Generally poor, which can limit its absorption when consumed orally alone.	Better bioavailability can be achieved when consumed with dietary fat or vitamin C.

Clinical and Translational Considerations

While the preclinical data from animal studies are promising, it's important to note that most of the compelling research on luteolin's antihypertensive effects has been conducted in animal models. Human studies are less extensive, although some research supports the cardiovascular benefits of overall flavonoid intake. For instance, a study on individuals with type 2 diabetes found that higher dietary luteolin intake was associated with a lower risk of cardiac mortality.

There are also challenges with the bioavailability of luteolin, meaning how well the body absorbs and uses it. Because of poor water solubility, the oral route may be less effective for supplementation compared to getting luteolin from food sources. However, novel formulations are being explored to improve its absorption. Before starting any new supplement, including luteolin, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional, especially for individuals already taking medication for blood pressure or other cardiovascular conditions.

Conclusion: The Final Word on Luteolin and Blood Pressure

Far from increasing blood pressure, a substantial body of evidence indicates that luteolin is a heart-healthy flavonoid with the potential to lower or regulate blood pressure. Its primary mechanisms involve powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, as well as influencing key regulatory systems like the RAAS. While research is still progressing and largely based on animal studies, the current scientific understanding supports the consumption of luteolin-rich foods as part of a nutritious diet. As with any supplement, professional medical advice should be sought before adding luteolin to a regimen, especially for those with pre-existing health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, scientific research, particularly in animal models, indicates that luteolin has the opposite effect, acting as an antihypertensive agent by lowering or regulating blood pressure.

Luteolin helps regulate blood pressure through several mechanisms, including its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, its ability to inhibit vascular remodeling, and its modulation of key hormonal systems that control blood pressure.

Excellent food sources of luteolin include celery, parsley, dried oregano, green bell peppers, artichokes, and carrots. Incorporating these into your regular diet can provide a natural source of this beneficial flavonoid.

While some studies have shown positive effects, most are in animal models, and human data is less conclusive. Due to challenges with bioavailability and potential interactions, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before using luteolin supplements for high blood pressure.

Individuals on blood pressure medication should be cautious with luteolin supplements and always consult a doctor first. While dietary intake is generally considered safe, supplements can have stronger effects and may interact with prescription drugs.

Yes, research also suggests that luteolin has other cardioprotective effects, such as reducing cardiac damage associated with conditions like hyperlipidemia and protecting against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury.

The confusion likely stems from a lack of widespread public knowledge about its specific pharmacological effects. While some compounds can affect blood pressure, extensive research on luteolin points towards a beneficial, not harmful, effect on cardiovascular health.