Protective effect of luteolin against chemical and natural toxicants by targeting NF‐κB pathway

Abstract Humans are continuously exposed to environmental, occupational, consumer and household products, food, and pharmaceutical substances. Luteolin, a flavone from the flavonoids family of compounds, is found in different fruits and vegetables. LUT is a strong anti‐inflammatory (via inhibition of NF‐κB, ERK1/2, MAPK, JNK, IL‐6, IL‐8, and TNF‐α) and antioxidant agent (reducing ROS and enhancement of endogenous antioxidants). LUT can chelate transition metal ions responsible for ROS generation and consequently repress lipoxygenase. It has been proven that NF‐κB, as a commom cellular pathway plays a considerable role in the progression of inflammatory process and stimulates the expression of genes encoding inducible pro‐inflammatory enzymes (iNOS and COX‐2) and cytokines including IL‐1β, IL‐6, and TNF‐α. This review summarizes the available literature discussing LUT and its potential protective role against pharmaceuticals‐, metals‐, and environmental compounds‐induced toxicities. Furthermore, the review explains the involved protective mechanisms, especially inhibition of the NF‐κB pathway.