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Title: Oleuropein, a non-toxic olive iridoid, is an anti-tumor agent and cytoskeleton disruptor

Journal Article · · Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
 [1];  [1]
  1. H2RC Corporation, 1920 E. Katella Avenue, Suite U, Orange, CA 92867 (United States)

Oleuropein, a non-toxic secoiridoid derived from the olive tree, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-angiogenic agent. Here, we show it to be a potent anti-cancer compound, directly disrupting actin filaments in cells and in a cell-free assay. Oleuropein inhibited the proliferation and migration of advanced-grade tumor cell lines in a dose-responsive manner. In a novel tube-disruption assay, Oleuropein irreversibly rounded cancer cells, preventing their replication, motility, and invasiveness; these effects were reversible in normal cells. When administered orally to mice that developed spontaneous tumors, Oleuropein completely regressed tumors in 9-12 days. When tumors were resected prior to complete regression, they lacked cohesiveness and had a crumbly consistency. No viable cells could be recovered from these tumors. These observations elevate Oleuropein from a non-toxic antioxidant into a potent anti-tumor agent with direct effects against tumor cells. Our data may also explain the cancer-protective effects of the olive-rich Mediterranean diet.

OSTI ID:
20710942
Journal Information:
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol. 334, Issue 3; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2005.06.161; PII: S0006-291X(05)01340-9; Copyright (c) 2005 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0006-291X
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English