Oleuropein

Oleuropein is a chemical compound found in the leaves of the olive tree together with other closely related compounds such as 10-hydroxyoleuropein, ligstroside, and 10-hydroxyligstroside. All these compounds are tyrosol esters of elenolic acid that are further hydroxylated and glycosylated. Oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol have powerful antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro and give extra-virgin olive oil its bitter, pungent taste. Oleuropein preparations have been claimed to strengthen the immune system.

See also

• Hydroxytyrosol
• Oleocanthal

External links

• The phenolic compounds of olive oil: structure, biological activity and beneficial effects on human health E. Tripoli, M. Giammanco, G. Tabacchi, D. Di Majo, S. Giammanco, and Maurizio La Guardia. Nutrition Research Reviews 18, 98–112 (2005) DOI: 10.1079/NRR200495
• Preparation of oleuropein
• Oleuropein and anti-ischemic and antioxidative effects
• Oleuropein and HIV (2007)
• Anti-HIV activity of olive leaf extract (2004)