Biological properties of olive oil phytochemicals.
Olive oil is the principal source of fat in the Mediterranean diet, which has been associated with a lower incidence of coronary heart disease and certain cancers. Extra-virgin olive oil contains a considerable amount of phenolic compounds, for example, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, that are responsible for its peculiar taste and for its high stability. Evidence is accumulating to demonstrate that olive oil phenolics are powerful antioxidants, both in vitro and in vivo; also, they exert other potent biological activities that could partially account for the observed healthful effects of the Mediterranean diet.
Visioli
Francesco
F
University of Milan, Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Italy. francesco.visioli@unimi.it
Galli
Claudio
C
D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004032:Diet; D038441:Diet, Mediterranean; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010636:Phenols / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010626:Phenylethyl Alcohol / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology; D013185:Squalene / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology
D000975:Antioxidants; D004042:Dietary Fats, Unsaturated; D000069463:Olive Oil; D010636:Phenols; D010938:Plant Oils; C005975:3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol; D013185:Squalene; D010626:Phenylethyl Alcohol