Bioactive Properties of the Main Triterpenes Found in Olives, Virgin Olive Oil, and Leaves of Olea europaea

Abstract

Oleanolic acid, maslinic acid, uvaol, and erythrodiol are the main triterpenes present in olives, olive tree leaves, and virgin olive oil. Their concentration in virgin olive oil depends on the quality of the olive oil and the variety of the olive tree. These triterpenes are described to present different properties, such as antitumoral activity, cardioprotective activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant protection. Olive oil triterpenes are a natural source of antioxidants that could be useful compounds for the prevention of multiple diseases related to cell oxidative damage. However, special attention has to be paid to the concentrations used, because higher concentration may lead to cytotoxic or biphasic effects. This work explores all of the bioactive properties so far described for the main triterpenes present in virgin olive oil.

Biologically Active Triterpenoids and Their Cardioprotective and Anti- Inflammatory Effects

“…For example, OA was previously found to inhibit COX-2 enzyme activity by 10% [53]; inhibition of COX-2 enzyme activity can reduce the risk of inflammation. Various recent studies have found the effect of OA to be beneficial to the heart; the study by Marquez-Martin et al (2006) concluded that in human mononuclear cells, OA promotes an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile and interferes with the generation of cardiac-specific antibodies, thereby developing and establishing the prevention and treatment of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM) [54][55][56][57]. As well, OA was found to be a novel helpful tool even when reactive or inflammatory cells have already begun to infiltrate the myocardium by suppressing myocarditis and conferring protective effects on cardiac cells and inflammatory cardiomyopathies [57].…”

“…Various properties that may be useful in modulating cardioprotection activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant protection have previously been identified upon the consumption of the olive fruit [56,73]. For instance, cell oxidative damage is related to multiple diseases that could be prevented through the antioxidant properties of olive oil triterpenes [56,57].…”

“…The main triterpenes found in olives, olive tree leaves, and virgin olive oil are oleanolic acid, uvaol, erythrodiol, and maslinic acid [56,60]. The concentration of these triterpenes depends on the quality of the olive, the type of the tree, and the degree of ripeness [56,58].…”

“…The main triterpenes found in olives, olive tree leaves, and virgin olive oil are oleanolic acid, uvaol, erythrodiol, and maslinic acid [56,60]. The concentration of these triterpenes depends on the quality of the olive, the type of the tree, and the degree of ripeness [56,58]. Stiti et al (2007) discovered that the triterpenic acid concentrations of olive fruits are dependent on the stages of the plant maturity [58].…”

Kazakh Ziziphora Species as Sources of Bioactive Substances

“…Some antiviral, anti-parasitic and antifungal activity was also observed [142]. However, the authors of the majority of the cited papers are right in that more studies should be carried out to prove these effects in vivo in humans [144].…”