Oleuropein

Oleuropein is a phenylethanoid, a type of phenolic compound found in olive leaf together with other closely related compounds such as 10-hydroxyoleuropein, ligstroside, and 10-hydroxyligstroside. All these compounds are tyrosol esters of elenolic acid that are further hydroxylated and glycosylated. They are important components of the Mediterranean diet.

Chemical Structure

Oleuropein is the ester of elenolic acid and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol (hydroxytyrosol), classified as a polyphenol. Its formula is C25H32O10.

Health Benefits

Oleuropein has several potential health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, and antiviral properties. It is also said to have hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effects.

Research

Research on oleuropein has been extensive, particularly in relation to its potential benefits for cardiovascular health. However, more research is needed to confirm these potential benefits and to better understand how oleuropein works in the body.

See Also

• Olive leaf
• Mediterranean diet
• Phenolic compounds in olive oil
• Hydroxytyrosol
• Elenolic acid

References

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  Oleuropein