What is Oleuropein?
Oleuropein is a natural compound most commonly located in olives (skin, flesh, seeds, and leaves) and argan oil. The structure of oleuropein consists of a glucose fragment attached to the phenolic structure via a seco-iridoid linker.
Nowadays oleuropein has been associated high variety of biological activities like:
- anti-oxidative
- anti-cancer
- cardioprotective
- anti-diabetic
- neuroprotective
- hepato-protective
- gastroprotective
- and much more
Oleuropein as anti-oxidant
The high anti-oxidative activity of oleuropein is attributed to its phenolic structure. Hydroxyphenols have been known for their ability to absorb various kinds of reactive radicals like reactive oxygen and nitrogen species.
Oleuropein has been extensively studied in laboratory conditions. Its general ability to inhibit radicals has been established by the DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and other synthetic tests.
Also various in vitro and in vivo tests have shown oleuropein as an effective scavenger of superoxide anion, hydrogen peroxide, peroxynitrite, nitric oxide, and others in cell systems.
Oleuropein has also shown the ability to complex heavy metals that are able to facilitate electron transfer reactions leading to unwanted oxidations.
It has been extensively studied for its ability to protect the DNA hence preventing the formation of various types of cancer.
Oleuropein has also shown that it can improve our own natural antioxidative enzymes like superoxide dismutase.
Interestingly, people subjected to extra virgin olive oil that is rich in oleuropein, were determined as more protected from oxidative stress only proving the effect of oleuropein.
Anti-cancer activity of oleuropein
Multiple studies have shown that oleuropein can affect cancer in several pathways. Scientists by doing in vitro and in vivo studies have identified that oleuropein can inhibit cell growth, motility, and invasiveness as well as induce apoptosis and inhibit cell proliferation.
Oleuropein has shown positive effects on several types of cancer cells like:
- breast
- colon
- melanoma
- nervous cancer
- urinary bladder carcinoma
- and many more
Anti-inflammation activity
Typically in the tissue where inflammation is happening, to dilate blood vessels, a lot of nitric oxides are released. However, this leads to an unwanted increase in oxidative stress. Luckily anti-oxidative action of oleuropein comes in handy in reducing this stress.
Oleuropein has shown the ability to interact with various sets of enzymes responsible for inflammation like NF-kβ, cyclooxygenase-2, and others, which leads to reduced swelling, toxic byproduct formation, and more.
Oleuropein for cardioprotective effect
Oleuropein is able to protect our blood and vessel system. In mice, it showed reduced levels of stress molecules released in the case of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity leading to heart failure. It also promoted the formation of amino-acid and other regenerating molecule releases to help reduce the effects caused by cardiac arrest.
Oleuropein can also reduce systolic and diastolic pressure through the interactions with calcium channels.
Anti-diabetic and weight regulating effect
People using extra virgin olive oil have been identified with a lower chance of the development of diabetes. It has shown the ability to exhibit a hypoglycemic effect hence increasing insulin sensitivity that leads to better glucose uptake in muscles.
Also, contrary to the high fat in extra virgin olive oil, most people using it do not exhibit symptoms of excess weight.
Rats that were fed a fat-rich diet but also administered oleuropein showed better lipid levels in their blood system, hence leading to healthier weight regulation. Additional benefits for weight regulation are also by promoting increased metabolic activity – increased oxygen consumption and thermogenesis.
In conclusion
Oleuropein is an important part of the Meditteranean lifestyle. The possitive effects from it like andi-oxidative, anti-cancer and other biological effects allows them to live long and happy lives.
However, the research in this field is still rolling with high steam. If you wish to join the adventure with oleuropein, visit our store for high quality product for you to order.
