Potential Health Benefits of Olive Oil and Plant Polyphenols

• Published in: International journal of molecular sciences 2018-02, Vol.19 (3), p.686
• Main Authors: Gorzynik-Debicka, Monika, Przychodzen, Paulina, Cappello, Francesco, Kuban-Jankowska, Alicja, Marino Gammazza, Antonella, Knap, Narcyz, Wozniak, Michal, Gorska-Ponikowska, Magdalena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - chemistry; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - pharmacology; Antineoplastic Agents, Phytogenic - therapeutic use; Antioxidants; Antioxidants - chemistry; Antioxidants - pharmacology; Antioxidants - therapeutic use; Bark; Biological activity; Cancer; Carcinogens; Cell proliferation; Chemical compounds; Chocolate; Coffee; Cytokines; Food processing; Grain; Humans; Immune system; Immunology; Inflammation; Leukocytes; Metabolites; Morbidity; Nuts; Olea - chemistry; Olive oil; Olive Oil - chemistry; Olive Oil - pharmacology; Olive Oil - therapeutic use; Organic chemistry; Phytochemicals - chemistry; Plant Extracts - chemistry; Plant Extracts - pharmacology; Plant Extracts - therapeutic use; Plant Leaves - chemistry; Plants (botany); Polyphenols; Polyphenols - chemistry; Polyphenols - pharmacology; Polyphenols - therapeutic use; Processed foods; Reactive oxygen species; Research projects; Review; Seeds; Tea; Wine
• ISSN: 1422-0067; 1661-6596; 1422-0067
• DOI: 10.3390/ijms19030686

Beneficial effects of natural plant polyphenols on the human body have been evaluated in a number of scientific research projects. Bioactive polyphenols are natural compounds of various chemical structures. Their sources are mostly fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, roots, bark, leaves of different plants, herbs, whole grain products, processed foods (dark chocolate), as well as tea, coffee, and red wine. Polyphenols are believed to reduce morbidity and/or slow down the development of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases as well as cancer. Biological activity of polyphenols is strongly related to their antioxidant properties. They tend to reduce the pool of reactive oxygen species as well as to neutralize potentially carcinogenic metabolites. A broad spectrum of health-promoting properties of plant polyphenols comprises antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, anti-atherogenic, anti-thrombotic, and anti-mutagenic effects. Scientific studies present the ability of polyphenols to modulate the human immune system by affecting the proliferation of white blood cells, and also the production of cytokines or other factors that participate in the immunological defense. The aim of the review is to focus on polyphenols of olive oil in context of their biological activities.