The health benefits of
Hydroxytyrosol and
Tyrosol August 2008
Hydroxytyrosol is mainly found in olive oil. It prevents low
density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, platelet aggregation,
and inhibits 5- and 12-lipoxygenases Hydroxytyrosol has
also been found to exert an inhibitory effect on
peroxynitrite dependent DNA base modification and
tyrosine nitration and it counteracts cytotoxicity induced
by reactive oxygen species in various human cellular
systems. Finally, studies have shown that hydroxytyrosol
is dose-dependently absorbed in humans following
ingestion, indicating its bioavailability. [1]



Studies showed that, when taken orally, hydroxytyrosol is
rapidly absorbed and subsequently passes through the
blood brain barrier in relatively large amounts.
Hydroxytyrosol accumulates in the cerebrospinal fluid;
consequently, it has access to the cells in the central
nervous system. Researchers found an increase of the
total antioxidant activity of cerebrospinal fluid after oral
administration of hyroxytyrosol in rats.



Since hydroxytyrosol is a potent antioxidant and
monoamine oxidase (MAO-B) inhibitor and it can freely
enter into the cerebrospinal fluid, hydroxytyrosol can be
beneficial in Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other
neurodegenerative diseases. [2]



In Alzheimer's disease, a chemical called beta-amyloid
peptide accumulates in brain tissue. This accumulation may
lead to oxidative stress, and large amounts of cells die
leading to the typical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
Glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter in the
brain, but is also a powerful oxidant. Researchers found
that hydroxytyrosol protects cells of the central nervous
system from dying after exposure to these stressors
(beta-amyloid, glutamate and hydrogen peroxide). In
addition, it has been known that zinc, copper and iron ions
induce the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, chelators of
these ions may solubilize these plaques. Hydroxytyrosol is
a chelator of iron, zinc and copper ions, and indeed, it also
can solubilize beta-amyloid deposits. Thus, hydroxytyrosol
has a dual neuroprotective action. Its neuroprotective
effects together with its easy-to-pass the blood brain
barrier make its benefits in neuroprotection.

In Parkinson's disease large amounts of dopaminergic
neurons die in the substantia nigra. Dopamine replacement
therapy, in the form of levodopa supplementation, has
been used successfully in the treatment of Parkinson's
disease. Inhibition of dopamine metabolism is a valuable
adjunct to exogenous dopaminergic replacement.
Therefore, inhibitors of MAO-B have been used to treat
early and advanced Parkinson disease for a number of
years. Evidence raises the possibility that MAO-B inhibition
may confer a protective effect in Parkinson's disease,
delaying the progression of the underlying pathology.
Researchers found that hydroxytyrosol is a strong
inhibitor of MAO-B. Therefore, this activity of
hydroxytyrosol may be of additional use in the treatment
of this disease. [2]


Tyrosol is a phenolic compound found in olives. As with
hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol is a powerful antioxidant and is
rapidly taken up from the intestinal tract. Moreover, it is
capable of passing the blood brain barrier in relatively large
amounts. Researchers detected tyrosol in cerebrospinal
fluid of rats which had received tyrosol orally. Therefore,
tyrosol is very useful in the treatment of
neurodegenerative diseases where oxidative stress plays
an important role. Since tyrosol increases the total
antioxidant levels of the brain, it can be used to treat
disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. It can
also be used to treat stroke and loss of memory. [2]

This article is for reference only. If you have any question, please, consult
with your doctor. Please note that the performance of a supplement or
extract in animal studies may be different in human body. ALL RIGHTS
RESERVED ZHION 2008

Reference for [1] US Patent Application 20030108651

[2] US Patent Application 20030236202
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