Olivetol: activities and applications

General Description

Olivetol, a natural compound found in olives and olive oil, exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It scavenges free radicals, inhibits lipid peroxidation, and enhances endogenous antioxidants, making it effective in combating oxidative stress. Additionally, Olivetol inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory mediators and modulates enzymes involved in inflammation, making it a potential candidate for treating various inflammatory conditions. It has applications in nutrition as a source of powerful antioxidants, in cosmetics as a preservative and anti-aging agent, and in medicine for combatting viral and bacterial infections, as well as inflammatory ailments. In agriculture, it can be used to address fungal and oomycetes-related issues. Overall, Olivetol shows promise in improving human health.

Figure 1. Olivetol

Activities

Antioxidant

Due to its chemical structure, Olivetol exhibits potent free radical scavenging properties, making it an excellent candidate for combating oxidative stress. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. ROS are highly reactive molecules that can cause damage to cells and tissues, leading to various diseases and aging processes. Antioxidants like Olivetol play a crucial role in neutralizing ROS and protecting the body against oxidative damage. Numerous studies have demonstrated the antioxidant potential of Olivetol. It has been shown to inhibit lipid peroxidation, a process where free radicals attack and damage lipids in cell membranes. By inhibiting lipid peroxidation, Olivetol helps maintain the integrity of cell membranes and preserve cellular function. Additionally, Olivetol has been found to enhance the activity of endogenous antioxidants, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). These enzymes play a vital role in eliminating ROS from the body and reducing oxidative stress. In conclusion, Olivetol possesses potent antioxidant activity by scavenging free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation, enhancing endogenous antioxidants, and reducing inflammation. Its antioxidant properties make it a promising compound for potential therapeutic applications in preventing or treating various oxidative stress-related disorders. ¹

Anti-inflammatory

Numerous in vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that Olivetol possesses remarkable anti-inflammatory activity. It exerts its effects by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, which play a crucial role in the inflammatory response. One of the key mechanisms through which Olivetol exerts its anti-inflammatory effects is by modulating the activity of important enzymes involved in inflammation, such as cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase (LOX). By inhibiting these enzymes, Olivetol reduces the synthesis of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Moreover, Olivetol has been shown to suppress the activation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), a transcription factor that regulates the expression of genes involved in inflammation. By inhibiting NF-κB, Olivetol reduces the production of inflammatory proteins and enzymes. Overall, Olivetol demonstrates promising anti-inflammatory activity, making it a potential candidate for the development of new therapeutic agents for various inflammatory conditions. ²

Applications

Olivetol, a natural compound found in olives and olive oil, has a wide range of potential applications across various fields. In nutrition, it serves as a rich source of polyphenols, which possess powerful antioxidant properties. These antioxidants help protect cells from oxidative stress and may aid in preventing chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease. Olivetol's antioxidant activity makes it a valuable ingredient for functional foods and supplements aimed at promoting better health. In cosmetics, it can function as a natural preservative and anti-aging agent in creams, lotions, and masks. In medicine it can potentially combat viral infections like Herpes simplex and Coxsackievirus, as well as bacterial infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans. Moreover, Olivetol's anti-inflammatory properties indicate its possible efficacy against ailments such as rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. In agriculture, it could be employed to combat fungal and oomycetes-related issues like damping-off, root rot, and Phytophthora damping-off. Overall, Olivetol's diverse applications across different fields position it as a promising natural compound for improving human health. ³

Reference

1. Hładyszowski J, Zubik L, Kozubek A. Quantum mechanical and experimental oxidation studies of pentadecylresorcinol, olivetol, orcinol and resorcinol. Free Radic Res, 1998, 28(4):359-368.

2. Formukong EA, Evans AT, Evans FJ. Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of constituents of Cannabis sativa L. Inflammation, 1988, 12(4):361-371.

3. Garrido J, Rico S, Corral C, et al. Exogenous application of stress-related signaling molecules affect growth and cannabinoid accumulation in medical cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.). Front Plant Sci, 2022, 13:1082554.