Anti-Cancer, Anti-Angiogenic, and Anti-Atherogenic Potential of Key Phenolic Compounds from Virgin Olive Oil

Abstract

The Mediterranean diet, renowned for its health benefits, especially in reducing cardiovascular risks and protecting against diseases like diabetes and cancer, emphasizes virgin olive oil as a key contributor to these advantages. Despite being a minor fraction, the phenolic compounds in olive oil significantly contribute to its bioactive effects. This review examines the bioactive properties of hydroxytyrosol and related molecules, including naturally occurring compounds (-)-oleocanthal and (-)–oleacein, as well as semisynthetic derivatives like hydroxytyrosyl esters and alkyl ethers. (-)-Oleocanthal and (-)–oleacein show promising anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory properties, which are particularly underexplored in the case of (-)–oleacein. Additionally, hydroxytyrosyl esters exhibit similar effectiveness to hydroxytyrosol, while certain alkyl ethers surpass their precursor’s properties. Remarkably, the emerging research field of the effects of phenolic molecules related to virgin olive oil on cell autophagy presents significant opportunities for underscoring the anti-cancer and neuroprotective properties of these molecules. Furthermore, promising clinical data from studies on hydroxytyrosol, (-)–oleacein, and (-)–oleocanthal urge further investigation and support the initiation of clinical trials with semisynthetic hydroxytyrosol derivatives. This review provides valuable insights into the potential applications of olive oil-derived phenolics in preventing and managing diseases associated with cancer, angiogenesis, and atherosclerosis.

Antiangiogenic Potential of an Olive Oil Extract: Insights from a Proteomic Study

“…Our findings indicate that the phenolic extract from EVOO exerts clear antiangiogenic effects by modulating the expression of proteins in endothelial cells, leading to changes in proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, and survival. This is highly relevant in the context of dietary-based angioprevention. , Indeed, there is substantial evidence indicating that we can benefit from EVOOs abundant in health-promoting phenolic compounds through regular dietary consumption, typically around 40 mL per day. , Furthermore, similar EVOO-derived phenolic extracts are being evaluated in different clinical trials, especially concerning cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes, reviewed in . In this line, the EVOO phenolic extract under study holds potential therapeutic applications in cancer and other angiogenesis-dependent diseases, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy.…”

“… 4 , 81 Furthermore, similar EVOO-derived phenolic extracts are being evaluated in different clinical trials, especially concerning cardiovascular diseases and type-2 diabetes, reviewed in. 82 In this line, the EVOO phenolic extract under study holds potential therapeutic applications in cancer and other angiogenesis-dependent diseases, such as macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. Equally important is the fact that the treatment can modify the proteins secreted by endothelial cells, expanding potential therapeutic effects to surrounding cells in the microenvironment.…”

Effects of Phenols from Olive Vegetation Water on Mutagenicity and Genotoxicity of Stored-Cooked Beef Patties

“…To limit the impact of dietary COPs and HCA on cancer risk, it has been advised to formulate food products with bioactive compounds having a free radical scavenging activity, such as phenols [ 18 ]. This class of compounds are widely present in virgin olive oils; in particular, for the aglycon forms of oleuropein and of demethyloleuropein and their derivatives (hydroxytyrosol (3,4-DHPEA) and tyrosol ( p -HPEA)), in vivo anticancer activity [ 21 , 22 ] has been demonstrated, together with the in vitro ability to defend against the DNA damage induced in different cellular systems by diverse compounds [ 23 ]. Furthermore, as recognized by the EU Regulation No.…”