Protective role of oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol on cancer

Most therapies do not discriminate between normal and cancerous cells, leading to toxicity and unwanted side effects. In this sense, the oleuropein, minor component of extra virgin olive oil, is an excellent candidate due to its antitumorals estates described so much in vitro and in vivo experiments in colon, breast and skin cancer, and the capacity to across the blood–brain barrier. The recent results obtained in glia tumoral cells line, tumors characterized by its complicated treatment and worse prognosis; make to the oleuropein an exceptional candidate for the treatment of cancer.

► The oleuropein inhibited of cellular growth of C6 cells with micromolar doses by 40%.
► The oleuropein behaves as an antioxidant in prostate normal cell.
► The oleuropein acts as pro-oxidant in neoplastic cells.
► The metabolites of the phenolic compounds across the blood–brain barrier.
►  Oleuropein and HT show no toxic effects and possess cytostatic and anti-angiogenic roles.