Use of Oleuropein and Hydroxytyrosol for Cancer Prevention and Treatment: Considerations about How Bioavailability...

Area of Science:

• Nutrition and Cancer Biology
• Phytochemistry
• Molecular Oncology

Background:

• The Mediterranean diet is recognized for natural compounds with cancer-preventive and therapeutic potential.
• Polyphenols from olive oil and leaves, specifically oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT), are of significant interest.
• Both OLE and HT exhibit anti-proliferative properties against various cancers in vitro and in vivo.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current knowledge on the potential of OLE and HT in cancer treatment.
• To assess OLE and HT bioavailability and their impact on drug metabolism.
• To evaluate the dual pro- and antioxidant activities of OLE and HT.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of in vivo and in vitro studies.
• Analysis of data on cellular redox status, metabolism, and transcriptional activity.
• Focus on effects of nutritionally relevant concentrations on cell viability, redox homeostasis, and inflammation.

Main Results:

• OLE and HT demonstrate anti-proliferative effects on diverse tumors and hematological malignancies.
• These compounds influence cellular redox status, metabolism, and gene expression.
• Nutritionally relevant concentrations impact cell viability, redox balance, and inflammation.

Conclusions:

• OLE and HT show promise as cancer-preventive agents or chemotherapy drugs.
• Bioavailability and dual antioxidant/pro-oxidant nature present challenges for clinical application.
• Further research is needed to optimize their therapeutic potential from dietary sources.