299 Virgin Olive Oil Benefits - Secoiridoids Secoiridoids are complex phenols formed by the combination of a simple phenol and elenolic acid. They can occur as glycosides or aglycones, the latter being predominant in olive oil (unlike in other olive-derived matrices). Many authors consider the terms “secoiridoids” and “complex phenols” to be synonymous. The most well-known secoiridoids include oleuropein aglycone, ligstroside aglycone, oleocanthal, and oleacein. · oleacein A phenolic compound isolated from extra virgin olive oil. It has been shown in cell and animal studies to exhibit a wide range of pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasculoprotective effects. · oleocanthal A natural phenolic compound isolated from extra virgin olive oil, oleocanthal is responsible for the slightly pungent taste of certain olive oils. Its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties are well documented. Remarkably, its anti-inflammatory action in the body is similar to that of ibuprofen, one of the most widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). · oleuropein aglycone A polyphenolic compound found in olive leaves, olives, and olive oil. Studies conducted in cell cultures and animal models have demonstrated its antimicrobial activity against various types of bacteria, along with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. • TOCOPHEROLS Term used to refer to a group of methylated phenolic compounds, one of which is Vitamin E itself. Tocotrienols, closely related compounds, also have vitamin E properties. The main dietary sources of this vitamin include vegetable oils (especially those from seeds and olives), nuts, green vegetables, and cereals. Its main function is as an antioxidant. In olive oil, the predominant form of vitamin E is α-tocopherol, which helps prevent oxidative damage to the lipids in cell membranes. It also has the highest vitamin activity compared to other tocopherol forms, such as β-tocopherol, γ-tocopherol, and δ-tocopherol, which are present in smaller amounts. Vitamin E deficiency may lead to sterility, as well as haematological, neurological, and muscular disorders. • TRITERPENOIDS; TERPENOIDS (NOTE: the descriptions are essentially those appearing in Chapter 3, as they are both complete and intuitive despite the technical nature of the subject) Chemicals found in aromatic essential oils of plants, consisting of thirty carbon atoms derived from the combination of six isoprene units. In olive oil, the triterpenoids with well-characterised biological activity include pentacyclic triterpenes and phytosterols. - pentacyclic triterpenes Molecules made up of thirty carbon atoms arranged in five- or six-membered rings with various substituents. These are secondary plant metabolites produced as defen-
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