Oleuropein, a non-toxic olive iridoid, is an anti-tumor agent and cytoskeleton disruptor.
Oleuropein, a non-toxic secoiridoid derived from the olive tree, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-angiogenic agent. Here, we show it to be a potent anti-cancer compound, directly disrupting actin filaments in cells and in a cell-free assay. Oleuropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of advanced-grade tumor cell lines in a dose-responsive manner. In a novel tube-disruption assay, Oleuropein irreversibly rounded cancer cells, preventing their replication, motility, and invasiveness; these effects were reversible in normal cells. When administered orally to mice that developed spontaneous tumors, Oleuropein completely regressed tumors in 9-12 days. When tumors were resected prior to complete regression, they lacked cohesiveness and had a crumbly consistency. No viable cells could be recovered from these tumors. These observations elevate Oleuropein from a non-toxic antioxidant into a potent anti-tumor agent with direct effects against tumor cells. Our data may also explain the cancer-protective effects of the olive-rich Mediterranean diet.
Hamdi
Hamdi K
HK
H2RC Corporation, 1920 E. Katella Avenue, Suite U, Orange, CA 92867, USA. hkhamdi@gmail.com
Castellon
Raquel
R
D000199:Actins / Q000187:drug effects; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D000818:Animals; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000494:pharmacology; D002464:Cell Migration Inhibition; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D003599:Cytoskeleton / Q000187:drug effects*; D006801:Humans; D057888:Iridoid Glucosides; D039823:Iridoids; D051379:Mice; D009361:Neoplasm Invasiveness; D031658:Olea; D011714:Pyrans / Q000378:metabolism / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured; D001617:beta-Glucosidase / Q000378:metabolism
D000199:Actins; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D000972:Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic; D000975:Antioxidants; D057888:Iridoid Glucosides; D039823:Iridoids; D011714:Pyrans; C002769:oleuropein; D001617:beta-Glucosidase