Hydroxytyrosol

Chemical Name: Hydroxytyrosol

CAS No.:10597-60-1

Chemical Structure:C8H10O3

Molecular weight:154.16

Function：

Antioxidant Properties

Hydroxytyrosol possesses potent antioxidant capabilities, capable of scavenging free radicals in the body and protecting cells from oxidative damage. Free radicals are highly reactive chemical substances that can disrupt cell membranes, proteins, and DNA, leading to cellular dysfunction and aging. By capturing free radicals and reducing their damage to cells, hydroxytyrosol exerts its antioxidant effects. Additionally, hydroxytyrosol can enhance the effects of other antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, improving overall antioxidant capacity.

Cardiovascular Protection

Hydroxytyrosol can improve cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol oxidation, and inhibiting platelet aggregation, which helps prevent the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases. It also inhibits platelet aggregation and thrombosis, reducing the risk of atherosclerosis and thereby protecting the health of the cardiovascular system.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Hydroxytyrosol exhibits certain anti-inflammatory properties, capable of alleviating inflammatory responses and symptoms associated with related diseases. It can inhibit the production and release of inflammatory cytokines, reducing the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, thereby exerting its anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, hydroxytyrosol can inhibit the activity of the COX-2 enzyme, reducing the production of prostaglandin E2 and further alleviating inflammatory responses.

Anticancer Potential

Some studies have shown that hydroxytyrosol may possess antitumor activity and can inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells. Specific mechanisms include:

• Inducing tumor cell apoptosis: Hydroxytyrosol can increase the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio in tumor cells, promoting mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequently inducing tumor cell apoptosis.
• Inhibiting tumor angiogenesis: Hydroxytyrosol can inhibit the expression of VEGF and bFGF, reducing the activity of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors and thereby inhibiting tumor angiogenesis.
• Inhibiting tumor cell invasion and metastasis: Hydroxytyrosol can inhibit the activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), reducing tumor cell invasiveness; simultaneously, it can also inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway, reducing tumor cell migration ability.

Antibacterial and Antiviral Effects

Hydroxytyrosol possesses antibacterial and antiviral properties, capable of inhibiting the growth of various bacteria and viruses. Studies have found that hydroxytyrosol can disrupt the cell wall and membrane structure of bacteria, leading to bacterial death; simultaneously, it can also inhibit the binding of viruses to host cells, preventing viruses from entering cells.

Other Effects

Hydroxytyrosol can regulate the immune system, enhancing the body's resistance and having certain preventive and therapeutic effects on chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

It can also regulate intestinal flora, enhance intestinal health, and improve digestive system function.

As a natural antioxidant and preservative, hydroxytyrosol is widely used in the food and beverage industry to improve product stability and shelf life.