
Numerous studies have shown the importance of naturally occurring dietary polyphenols in promoting cardiovascular health. In the Mediterranean diet, many studies have focused on active phenolic compounds in virgin olive oil to help explain the observed reduction in mortality and morbidity. Among them, olivin and hydroxytyrosol, two isolated compounds, have received special attention. These compounds have shown several anti-inflammatory and antiatherosclerotic activities, such as inhibition of LDL oxidation, platelet aggregation, and other factors involved in the development of atherosclerosis.
Hydroxytyrosol in extra virgin olive oil is known to be a powerful free radical scavenger that reduces oxidation of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), potentially reducing the risk of atherosclerosis.
The EfSA highlighted the importance of hydroxytyrosol in protecting LDL and therefore its significance in reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease and concluded that 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives should be consumed daily to achieve this physiological level of effect.
Effect on endothelial dysfunction
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely associated with endothelial dysfunction leading to the development of atherosclerosis. Endothelial dysfunction induced by oxidative stress may represent one of the first stages in the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Thus, atherosclerotic vascular walls contain increased levels of ROS, which affect several REDOX sensitive pathways in vascular cells, leading to significant changes in the cellular composition of tissues. This region induces migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells and expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines by endothelial cells. Thus, increased arterial adhesion at the susceptible site provides a favorable environment for local infiltration of circulating immune cells, leading to chronic inflammation. Therefore, direct reduction of ROS levels and/or stimulation of antioxidant defenses at these levels may prevent the development of atherosclerosis.
Retinal protective activity
Hydroxytyrosol in extra virgin olive oil may play a role in reducing the risk of age-related macular degeneration, but further research in this area is needed to determine the exact mechanism and significance of this preliminary finding.
Skin-related effects
Oxidative stress is thought to play a major role in uVa-induced protein damage to the skin. Preliminary studies have shown that hydroxytyrosol in extra virgin olive oil can prevent this UVA damage in melanoma cells.