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).