Effects of Hydroxytyrosol in Endothelial Functioning: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Pharmacologists have been emphasizing and applying plant and herbal-based treatments in vascular diseases for decades now. Olives, for example, are a traditional symbol of the Mediterranean diet. Hydroxytyrosol is an olive-derived compound known for its antioxidant and cardioprotective effects. Acknowledging the merit of antioxidants in maintaining endothelial function warrants the application of hydroxytyrosol in endothelial dysfunction salvage and recovery. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) is an impairment of endothelial cells that adversely affects vascular homeostasis. Disturbance in endothelial functioning is a known precursor for atherosclerosis and, subsequently, coronary and peripheral artery disease. However, the effects of hydroxytyrosol on endothelial functioning were not extensively studied, limiting its value either as a nutraceutical supplement or in clinical trials. The action of hydroxytyrosol in endothelial functioning at a cellular and molecular level is gathered and summarized in this review. The favorable effects of hydroxytyrosol in the improvement of endothelial functioning from in vitro and in vivo studies were scrutinized. We conclude that hydroxytyrosol is capable to counteract oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular aging, and arterial stiffness; thus, it is beneficial to preserve endothelial function both in vitro and in vivo. Although not specifically for endothelial dysfunction, hydroxytyrosol safety and efficacy had been demonstrated via in vivo and clinical trials for cardiovascular-related studies.

Impact of the Antioxidant Hydroxytyrosol on the Quality of Post-Thawed Stallion Semen

“…Numerous studies have shown the ability of HT to significantly reduce the buildup of ROS in diverse cellular contexts [ 7 ]. For example, it has been shown in many studies that HT has the ability to shield vascular endothelial cells from the harmful impacts of hydrogen peroxide [ 8 , 9 ]. Additionally, HT has also been found to provide protection to mammary cells [ 10 ] and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) [ 11 ].…”

Potential Therapeutic Properties of Olea europaea Leaves from Selected Cultivars Based on Their Mineral and Organic Profiles

“…Olive leaves’ biological compounds yield cardiovascular-protective properties [ 19 ]. Not only do numerous studies confirm that olive leaves are able to decline blood pressure, improve blood flow in the coronary arteries [ 20 , 21 ], regulate arrhythmia, and prevent intestinal smooth muscle spasms [ 22 ], but their antimicrobial potential against bacteria, fungi, and mycoplasma has also been highlighted [ 23 , 24 , 25 , 26 , 27 ]. Like olive oil, the therapeutic benefits of O. europaea L. folium have been credited to low-molecular-weight polyphenols such as oleuropein (up to 60–90 mg/g dry leaf weight), hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and vitamin E isomers of tocopherol, elenolic acid derivatives, caffeic acid, p -coumaric acid, and vanillic acid, as well as flavonoids—luteolin, diosmetin, rutin, luteolin-7-glucoside, apigenin-7-glucoside, and diosmetin-7-glucoside [ 28 , 29 ].…”

The Bioactivity of a Hydroxytyrosol-Enriched Extract Originated after Direct Hydrolysis of Olive Leaves from Greek Cultivars

“…HT is a small molecule, so the ratio of its bioactivity to weight is greater than OLE’s. HT exerts strong antioxidant activity and is strongly associated with beneficial effects in various human diseases [ 17 ], manifesting anti-tumor [ 18 , 19 ], cardioprotective [ 20 , 21 ], and neuroprotective effects [ 22 , 23 ]. The strong protective activity of HT is also displayed against heavy metal-caused damage.…”