Current situation and research progress of luteolin in the treatment of gastrointestinal malignant tumors

Luteolin, known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has garnered attention for its potential anticancer effects. Research has shown that luteolin can modulate the proliferation, migration, invasion, drug resistance, and apoptosis of digestive tract cancer cells by targeting specific pathways. This review summarizes the current understanding of luteolin's impact on five types of digestive tract malignancies both in vitro and in vivo, elucidates its molecular mechanisms in regulating these cancers, and highlights the existing limitations and gaps in research. This analysis aims to inform the safety assessment, enhance the bioavailability, and guide the formulation development and clinical utilization of luteolin in the context of digestive tract malignancies.