Luteolin, a plant-derived flavonoid, is gaining recognition as a potential therapeutic agent in the field of cardiovascular and smooth muscle pharmacology. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties make it a compound of interest, with recent studies highlighting its impact on key cellular processes. These include its role in vascular inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, cardiac hypertrophy, and smooth muscle remodeling. These effects suggest that luteolin has potential as a treatment for conditions such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, vascular fibrosis, and ischemia-reperfusion injuries. However, despite significant preclinical evidence, particular cardiovascular mechanisms of luteolin remain less explored, especially concerning its effects on vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation, endothelial signaling, nitric oxide bioavailability, and pathways of oxidative stress.

This Research Topic aims to uncover the specific cardiovascular effects of luteolin, encouraging studies that delve into its molecular interactions within the vasculature, cardiomyocytes, and smooth muscle systems. Moreover, we seek to understand luteolin's synergistic potential when combined with existing cardiovascular therapies. Additionally, innovative formulations designed to overcome its solubility and bioavailability challenges are encouraged to facilitate its transition from research to clinical application. Our goal is to illuminate luteolin’s role in not only advancing mechanistic understanding but also in potentially addressing modern cardiovascular challenges.

We welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Molecular targets of luteolin in vascular smooth muscle and endothelial cells
• Luteolin's role in mitigating ischemia-reperfusion injury and oxidative stress
• Anti-inflammatory actions of luteolin in cardiovascular disease models
• Modulation of nitric oxide signaling and vascular tone by luteolin
• Impact of luteolin on vascular remodeling and cardiac fibrosis
• Strategies to enhance bioavailability for cardiovascular applications
• Combinatory effects of luteolin with established cardiovascular drugs

By exploring these themes, this Research Topic seeks to integrate the rich diversity of natural product pharmacology with the evolving demands of cardiovascular drug development, potentially influencing future therapeutic strategies.

We welcome original research, reviews, and translational studies as article types for this Research Topic.

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Luteolin's role in vascular health: Mechanisms and therapeutic implications