Hydroxytyrosol Protects Neurons

FRANKFURT, GermanyHydroxytyrosol has neuroprotective effects in vitro and in vivo, protecting brain cells from induced cytotoxicity, according to a new study (Pharmacol Res. 2010;62(4):322-27. DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2010.06.004). Researchers from the University of Frankfurt noted olive mill waste water is rich in hydroxytyrosol, an antioxidant polyphenol that has been shown to have heart health benefits. This team previously found olive mill wastewater extract, rich in hydroxytyrosol, could protect brain cells after subchronic oral administration of the extract to mice.

In the current study, the team studied the effects of hydroxytyrosol, at concentrations present in the olive water, in PC12 cells, used as a model system for neuronal differentiation. After 30 minutes exposure to the antioxidant extract, the PC12 cells were subjected to oxidative or nitrosative stress and cytotoxicity assessed after 18 hours. The researchers found the hydroxytyrosol-rich extract protected the brain cells from both stressors, likely due to the presence of the antioxidant polyphenol.