Modulation of the Gut Microbiota by Olive Oil Phenolic Compounds: Implications for Lipid Metabolism, Immune System, and Obesity

Abstract

There is extensive information of the beneficial effects of virgin olive oil (VOO), especially on cardiovascular diseases. Some VOO healthy properties have been attributed to their phenolic-compounds (PCs). The aim of this review is to present updated data on the effects of olive oil (OO) PCs on the gut microbiota, lipid metabolism, immune system, and obesity, as well as on the crosstalk among them. We summarize experiments and clinical trials which assessed the specific effects of the olive oil phenolic-compounds (OOPCs) without the synergy with OO-fats. Several studies have demonstrated that OOPC consumption increases Bacteroidetes and/or reduces the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, which have both been related to atheroprotection. OOPCs also increase certain beneficial bacteria and gut-bacteria diversity which can be therapeutic for lipid-immune disorders and obesity. Furthermore, some of the mechanisms implicated in the crosstalk between OOPCs and these disorders include antimicrobial-activity, cholesterol microbial metabolism, and metabolites produced by bacteria. Specifically, OOPCs modulate short-chain fatty-acids produced by gut-microbiota, which can affect cholesterol metabolism and the immune system, and may play a role in weight gain through promoting satiety. Since data in humans are scarce, there is a necessity for more clinical trials designed to assess the specific role of the OOPCs in this crosstalk.

Nutritional Components in Western Diet Versus Mediterranean Diet at the Gut Microbiota–Immune System Interplay. Implications for Health and Disease

“…Additionally, EVOO is enriched in other elements that will be subsequently discussed, such as polyphenols, carotenoids and tocopherols, fostering the expansion of beneficial bacteria [ 196 , 197 ]. Among these benefits, the high consumption of EVOO is known to boost lactic acid bacteria (mainly Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus ) and their bioactive metabolites in GALT, leading to a decrease in IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, IL-1β, COX-2, LDL-c, oxidized LDL-c (ox-LDL) and blood pressure [ 197 , 198 ], as well as modulating microbiota metabolism, encouraging butyrate production, possessing anti-inflammatory and atheroprotective properties [ 199 ], and protecting colonocytes against oxidative stress [ 200 ]. In the same manner, the positive effects of oleic acid on liver dysfunction and gut inflammation have been demonstrated [ 201 ].…”

Flavor Chemistry of Virgin Olive Oil: An Overview

“…Many reviews that focused on the chemical, sensory, nutritional and health properties of VOO phenolic compounds have been published in recent years [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47][48].…”

Mangifera indica (Mango): A Promising Medicinal Plant for Breast Cancer Therapy and Understanding Its Potential Mechanisms of Action

“…56 Although orally consumed gallotannins are un-absorbable owing to their high molecular weight, they can be hydrolysed in the gastrointestinal tract by tannase to release free gallic acid, which can subsequently undergo decarboxylation to pyrogallol via the activity of gallic acid decarboxylase in intestinal microbiota. 84,85 Gallotannins have been reported to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, [86][87][88] anti-diabetic, 89 antiinflammatory, 90 antimicrobial, 91 and antioxidant 92 activities. Pentagalloylglucose (1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-β-Dglucose; 5GG), a gallotannin that can be found in M. indica, has been investigated for its effects on breast cancer cell lines.…”