Can Luteolin Increase Testosterone? Scientific Evidence

Luteolin is a lesser-known ingredient, but believe it or not, it is one of the most potent ones that can ignite testosterone production significantly. Also, we may not see it in many testosterone boosters, but its benefits are extended beyond just directly influencing the testosterone response- meaning- luteolin also benefits the secondary mechanisms in the body that favour testosterone synthesis.

Even so- after a rigorous search online, I found that there is only a small amount of information on luteolin. At the same time, most of the research is geared toward some of the other testosterone-enhancing ingredients like Tribulus Terrestris, Tongkat Ali, etc. However, after examining the available data on Luteolin, I can say that these are some solid ones that prove that it helps the biological processes in the body to increase the testosterone output and preserve its levels.

Let’s take a detailed look at the findings:

Does Luteolin Increase Testosterone – Scientific Evidence

While the research and trials are still in progress, novel investigations suggest that luteolin is important in regulating testosterone levels and its functions in the body. They are flavonoids (plant compounds) that interplay with the male hormone receptors and other testosterone metabolism facilitators.

To comprehend in a better way, let’s first understand what StAR protein or steroidogenic acute regulatory protein is. Many of you know that testosterone is made from cholesterol and that it decreases in men gradually after a certain age. What you may not know is that it is actually this StAR protein that converts the cholesterol present in the Leydig cells of the testicles to testosterone. Just like any other body function, this protein messenger also slows down with age or other health issues leading to a decline in testosterone levels.

One of the first pieces of evidence showing that Luteolin can have a positive impact on testosterone comes from a study conducted in 2018. The experiment was run to analyze the effect of luteolin on testosterone. The researchers found that just about 10 μM of luteolin can significantly increase testosterone production by activating StAR protein synthesis. It also confirmed that luteolin sourced from food when taken consistently can support and maintain steroid production in elderly men.

Another research followed this within a couple of years, the findings of which gave a solid confirmation that Luteolin can potentially influence StAR protein biosynthesis and consequently testosterone production. The study suggests that this ingredient can be helpful in treating people with low testosterone issues, and can be effectively used as a preventive measure against Leydig cell malignancy.

I found other concrete evidence supporting the correlation between luteolin and testosterone published in a recent journal. The study offers expansive information on how flavonoids like luteolin improve the Leydig cell response thus improving the testosterone output.

Other Benefits Luteolin

Aside from all the above scientific data showing the promising correlation between luteolin and testosterone, there are two other properties that make the ingredient impressively potent for male sexual health:

Luteolin Inhibits Aromatase

For those who are unaware of the term aromatase, it is the enzyme that promotes estrogen biosynthesis in the body by converting the free testosterone. This takes place more rapidly as men age. Luteolin is found to be one of the best known ‘estrogen blocking nutrients’- meaning, it has the potential to inhibit estrogen biosynthesis. This in return eliminates the negative impacts of estrogen on male health and helps maintain a healthy testosterone-to-estrogen ratio in men.

The findings of one of the studies involving dietary flavonoids (luteolin and others) and their impact on endocrine receptors further confirm that luteolin has powerful estrogen-blocking properties. This makes it a promising testosterone-boosting nutrient. Consistent intake of dietary luteolin (available in citrus fruits like lemon or even carrot, celery, and cauliflower) can keep help increase testosterone levels and keep them maintained by protecting them from converting to estrogen. (Read here to know more on the list of foods that can inhibit estrogen biosynthesis).

Luteolin Is Rich In Antioxidant

The benefits of luteolin are just not done yet. This amazing ingredient is loaded with antioxidants that work at the root level by reducing oxidative stress in the Leydig cells within the testicles. Leydig cells can be prone to oxidative damage leading to a decline in testosterone production, spermatogenesis, and other reproductive issues. I found two different pieces of scientific evidence that favor the positive effect of Luteolin’s antioxidant and anti-inflammatory nature on male reproductive functioning.

One of the research papers published by ‘Toxicology Research and Application’ shows how luteolin supplement acts as a photo-protective agent shielding the testicular cells from damage due to reproductive toxicity or chemotherapy. Another study shows the powerful healing effects of antioxidants on the semen parameters of men which can be helpful in treating infertility issues. Luteoline, being a powerhouse of antioxidants is a potent ingredient in this case.

In both cases, even though there may not seem direct association between luteolin on testosterone production, alleviating the reproductive functional issues is bound to help with testosterone synthesis and response.

Conclusion

After exhaustive research on the various properties and capabilities of luteolin and its connection with certain biochemical processes, we can say that luteolin does increase testosterone biosynthesis and preserves its levels.

There may not be a whole lot of clinical trials or literature on this ingredient as compared to some of the other nutrients, which is likely the reason why many testosterone boosters have not included it in their formula. However, the existing evidence is concrete enough to prove its beneficial effects on testosterone production and can be a great nutrient to include in your testosterone-boosting regime.