The Role of Luteolin Supplementation in Cellular Metabolism of Myocytes and Fat Cells, Physical Performance, and Body Composition in Athletes.

This study is designed to evaluate Luteolin's potential to optimize metabolic health and physical performance in athletes by modulating specific transcription factors.

• Rationale: Effective management of lipid metabolism and enhanced muscle function are critical for athletic performance. Luteolin has shown in recent studies the potential to modulate gene expression, specifically activating MEF2 and downregulating SREBP-1.
• MEF2 Focus: Activation of MEF2 is linked to enhanced oxidative capacity, promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis, and improved muscle endurance, which are highly beneficial for athletes. Luteolin is thought to enhance MEF2 activity by promoting histone deacetylation.
• SREBP-1 Focus: SREBP-1 controls the expression of genes responsible for the synthesis of fatty acids and triglycerides. Downregulation of SREBP-1 is desirable for athletes to prevent excessive lipid accumulation and support better metabolic health and performance. Luteolin can inhibit the maturation of SREBP-1, reducing its activity and the expression of lipogenic genes.
• Design: A multi-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial will be conducted, requiring a total sample size of 50 male athletes. Outcome assessments include Real-Time PCR on blood samples for gene expression , Wingate and Vmax tests for performance , and Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) for body composition.

Inclusion criteria

• Gender and Age: Male volunteers aged 18 to 35 years old.

Athletic Status: Currently training male athletes with continuous sports training experience in any field (e.g., endurance, team sports, strength training).

Health Status: Apparently healthy, with no known chronic diseases or metabolic disorders that could interfere with lipid or muscle metabolism (e.g., diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease).

Geographic Location: Must be residing in Jordan for the duration of the study and able to attend all scheduled assessment sessions at the specified study centers (University of Jordan).

Informed Consent: Must provide voluntary written informed consent to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

• Pre-existing Conditions: Diagnosis of any chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, or any diagnosed neurological or immune system disorders.
• Medication Use: Currently using any prescription medications that could influence lipid metabolism, inflammatory status, or exercise performance (e.g., corticosteroids, statins, certain anti-inflammatory drugs).
• Supplement Use: Current or recent use (within the last 3 months) of any nutritional supplements Luteolin containing supplements. Failure to agree to restrict consumption of Luteolin-rich foods throughout the 12-week intervention period.
• Study Commitment: Inability or unwillingness to comply with the study protocol, including the 12-week daily capsule intake and attendance at all assessment visits.