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Hydroxytyrosol is a bioactive substance, which provides the olive oil with health benefits such as antioxidative and cardiovascular protection properties.
Since oxidized LDL plays a key role in the development of atherosclerosis and related diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke, HT is an useful agent for reducing the risk of developing these diseases.
Protects cells from carcinogenic transformations by inhibiting DNA damage from excess free radicals.
Its ability to cross the blood brain barrier, unlike most polyphenols, makes it especially suitable to combat oxidative stress involved in the degenerative processes that take place in the brain. In this sense, the consumption of hydroxytyrosol could contribute to the prevention of degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s disease, multiple sclerosis and those of increasing incidence.
Hydroxytyrosol has shown different anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities in vitro which may explain the chronic-degenerative diseases preventive properties of olive oil, reducing inflammatory markers, such as cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) and Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)
Due to its antioxidant capacity it slows down the cellular aging processes produced by the accumulation of free radicals. Similarly, it effectively protects epithelial cells from radiation damage caused by excessive sun exposure.
Oleocanthal is a new natural polyphenolic anti-inflammatory agent found only in EVOO; specifically, it is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory compound that inhibits the activity of cyclooxygenase enzymes and whose anti-inflammatory mechanism of action is analogous to drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen.
Oleocanthal, like many other healthy EVOO compounds, provides substantial health benefits despite not being found in large quantities.
Oleocanthal, like other anti-inflammatory drugs, inhibits the enzyme cyclooxygenase (COX) in the path of prostaglandin biosynthesis. But even Oleocanthal at echimolecular concentrations with ibuprofen, it has a superior inhibitory action of cyclooxygenases COX1 and COX24.
A recent review of the various healthy effects that Oleocanthal, present in certain EVOO, has seen its beneficial effect on pathological processes related to chronic inflammation, including some specific types of cancer, degenerative joint diseases and neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
Arthritis. Inflammation plays a central role in the pathogenesis of degenerative joint diseases. Oleocanthal inhibits the enzymes of cyclooxygenases, causing the reduction of the synthesis of prostaglandins involved in the inflammatory process. This phenolic compound thus helps relieve the pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis through the decrease in PGE2 that results from COX inhibition.
Oleuropein is a phenolic derivative that belongs to the secoiridoids. This compound is responsible for the browning capacity and it also gives EVOO its bitter taste.
Cardiovascular System Properties
Oleuropein is best known for its blood pressure-lowering activity. It is as well a powerful antioxidant which scavenges free radical species in the body and there is even evidence about its reduction of LDL oxidation. Beyond hypertension and antioxidant effects, oleuropein has been shown to have cardioprotective effects.
Cancer
Oleuropein has been proven to be a potential antiangiogenic, with some preliminary evidence showing it may inhibit cell growth and invasiveness.
Other health benefits
Oleuropein has many pharmachological properties, including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial and skin protectant effects.
