What Is Luteolin (491-70-3)?
Luteolin is 3′,4′,5,7-Tetrahydroxyflavone, a natural plant compound with CAS number 491-70-3. It appears as yellow crystalline powder, almost odorless and is one of the most studied botanical actives in the global plant extract market.
Luteolin belongs to the flavone subclass of flavonoids, structurally characterized by a 4H-chromen-4-one backbone with hydroxyl groups at the 5, 7, 3′ and 4′ positions. It is closely related to apigenin (which lacks the 3′-hydroxyl) and is widely distributed in the plant kingdom.
In dietary supplements luteolin is used at 50-200 mg per day, often combined with quercetin, vitamin C and omega-3 oils. In cosmetics it is added at 0.1-1.0% to anti-aging, anti-redness and after-sun products.
Key Properties of Luteolin
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Luteolin |
| CAS Number | 491-70-3 |
| Chemical Name | 3′,4′,5,7-Tetrahydroxyflavone |
| Appearance | Yellow crystalline powder, almost odorless |
| Purity | ≥98% (HPLC) |
| Melting Point | Approx. 328-330 °C (decomposes) |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in ethanol, methanol and DMSO; soluble in dilute alkali |
| Natural Sources | Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) shell; Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) flower; Celery (Apium graveolens); Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) |
Sources & Extraction
Luteolin is naturally found in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) shell, Honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) flower, Celery (Apium graveolens) and Parsley (Petroselinum crispum). ZHII extracts luteolin from the most abundant commercial source, ensuring consistent purity and supply.
ZHII extracts luteolin from two main natural sources: peanut shell (a by-product of the peanut oil industry, with ~0.3-0.5% luteolin) and honeysuckle flower (Lonicera japonica, where luteolin is the aglycone of luteolin-7-glucoside). The extraction uses food-grade ethanol followed by hydrolysis, crystallization and HPLC-controlled purification.
Applications of Luteolin
Few botanical actives cross industry boundaries as easily as luteolin:
Dietary Supplements
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capsules and tablets; commonly combined with quercetin and vitamin C.
Cosmetics & Personal Care
Anti-aging and after-sun active in face creams, eye serums and anti-redness formulations; supports skin barrier and oxidative defense.
Functional Food & Beverage
Added to antioxidant teas, functional waters and fortified juice blends.
Pharmaceutical Research
A widely used reference compound in flavonoid pharmacology and NF-κB signaling research.
Recommended Use & Dosage
In dietary supplements 50-200 mg per day is typical. In cosmetic formulations 0.1-1.0% in creams and serums. Cyclodextrin complexation or lipid delivery can improve bioavailability.
Packaging & Storage
1 kg aluminum foil bags with double PE liner, 5 kg plastic pails and 25 kg fibre drums.. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, tightly sealed to protect from moisture. When stored properly, the product remains stable for at least 24 months from the production date.
Why Source Luteolin from ZHII?
- Factory-direct supply — we manufacture and export plant extracts from Xi’an, China, with competitive pricing and stable long-term stock.
- Certified quality — ISO9001 and ISO14001 certified production; KOSHER and HALAL certified products; a Certificate of Analysis accompanies every batch.
- Global experience — customers in more than 50 countries across the EU, the Americas and Asia trust ZHII as their plant extract supplier.
- Flexible quantities — from free evaluation samples and small trial packs to full container loads.
- Technical support — our team provides formulation guidance, regulatory documents and application advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between luteolin and apigenin?
Luteolin has hydroxyl groups at the 5, 7, 3′ and 4′ positions; apigenin lacks the 3′-hydroxyl. Luteolin is typically more potent as an antioxidant; apigenin is more studied for relaxation and sleep support.
What is the best source for luteolin extraction?
Peanut shell and honeysuckle flower are the two main commercial sources in China. Peanut shell is more cost-effective for high-volume production; honeysuckle flower is preferred for "natural flower source" claims in premium formulations.
Does ZHII supply luteolin glycosides?
Yes. We supply luteolin aglycone (≥98% HPLC), luteolin-7-glucoside, and luteolin-7-rutinoside from honeysuckle flower. Contact our team for the right grade for your formulation.
Get a Free Sample of Luteolin
Looking for a reliable Luteolin manufacturer and supplier? ZHII offers high-purity Luteolin (491-70-3) with fast worldwide delivery and free samples. Visit our plant extract catalog to explore the full botanical extract range, or contact us today by email at sxzhiyi@126.com or WhatsApp +86 151 0299 2009 for a quotation within 24 hours.