Neuroprotective effects of oleocanthal in neurological disorders

Studies from our laboratory and others reported that oleocanthal has a therapeutic potential against Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and related disorders, including cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) and tauopathy. Oleocanthal is a naturally occurring phenolic secoiridoid isolated from extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO). Findings from in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that oleocanthal and oleocanthal-rich EVOO possess neuroprotective effects by targeting several pathological processes. Oleocanthal increased amyloid-β clearance by multiple pathways, improved blood-brain barrier function and integrity, and reduced neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which collectively improved memory function in AD and CAA mouse models. In addition, oleocanthal-inhibited tau aggregation by locking tau into the unfolded form and reduced tau hyperphosphorylation. These findings suggest oleocanthal as a novel molecule that could provide neuroprotective effect and thus has the potential to prevent, hold progression, and/or treat AD and related disorders.