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

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.

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), a staple of the Mediterranean diet, is rich in phenolic compounds recognized for their potent bioactive effects, including anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties. However, its effects on vascular health remain relatively unexplored. In this study, we examined the impact of a "picual" EVOO extract from Jaén, Spain, on endothelial cells. Proteomic analysis revealed the modulation of angiogenesis-related processes. In subsequent in vitro experiments, the EVOO extract inhibited endothelial cell migration, adhesion, invasion, ECM degradation, and tube formation while inducing apoptosis. These results provide robust evidence of the extract's antiangiogenic potential. Our findings highlight the potential of EVOO extracts in mitigating angiogenesis-related pathologies, such as cancer, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

El hipérico: una fuente de compuestos bioactivos con un amplio espectro de acción / Hypericum: a source of bioactive compounds with a wide range of action

El hipérico es una planta herbácea cuyos extractos han sido usados tradicionalmente para el tratamiento de muy diversas afecciones. Recientemente, se ha demostrado que los extractos de hipérico son efectivos para el tratamiento de la depresión leve a moderada. El hipérico es fuente de gran diversidad de compuestos bioactivos, siendo la hiperforina el principal causante de sus efectos antidepresivos. Otro compuesto característico del hipérico, la hipericina, es el más potente fotoactivador natural descrito. El renovado interés en el hipérico como fuente de compuestos con potencial aplicación farmacológica ha permitido caracterizar nuevos y prometedores efectos de la hiperforina y la hipericina, en particular como antitumorales y antiangiogénicos. Este trabajo revisa la etnobotánica del hipérico, con sus usos tradicionales y clínicos actuales, así como resume el estado actual del conocimiento acerca de los efectos biológicos de sus dos compuestos más característicos, la hipericina y la hiperforina

St. John’s wort is a herbaceous plant, which extracts have been traditionally used for the treatment of a high number of pathological conditions. Recently, it has been shown that St. John’s wort extracts are effective for the treatment of mild-tomoderate depression. St. John’s wort is a source of a great diversity of bioactive compounds, hyperforin being the main responsible for the described antidepressant effects. Another characteristic compound is hypericin, the most potent natural photoactivator described so far. The renewed interest for St. John’s wort as a source of compounds with potential pharmacological applications has allowed to characterize new and promising effects of hyperforin and hypericin, mainly as antitumoral and antiangiogenic compounds. This work reviews St. John’s wort ethnobotanics, along with its traditional and current clinical uses, as well as the current state-of-the-art of the biological effects of both hypericin and hyperforin