Inflammation results when immune cells secrete an abundance of messenger chemicals collectively known as cytokines.  These cytokines include prostaglandins, TNF-alpha, leukotrienes, histamine, and interleukins.  These inflammatory chemicals signal the immune system to produce free radicals and other inflammatory chemicals.  When this inflammation is a result of infection, the free radicals and TNF-alpha help to defend the body by attacking foreign invaders. But when the inflammatory response is due to antigens unrelated to infection such as an allergy or pain, the body suffers paind and damaginf effects from the inflammatory chemicals and the free radicals.

Luteolin is a potent anti-inflammatory compound that inhibits the over-production and synthesis of TNF-alpha, prostaglandins, leukotrienes, histamine, and interleukins, thereby helping to prevent the negative effects of allergies, inflammation, and overproduction of free radicals.