New neuroprotective perspectives in fighting oxidative stress and improving cellular energy metabolism by oleocanthal

Neurodegenerative diseases are a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by a progressive dysfunction and death of neural cells which lead to compromised motor or cognitive function. Currently, there are no therapeutic approaches to treat or even halt the inexorable progression of these debilitating disorders. In this context, great attention has been paid to phytochemicals because of their broad spectrum of pharmacological and biological activities. Among phytochemicals, olive oil phenols are getting more scientific attention due to their interesting biological activities. In particular, inside the secoiridoid family of olive oil constituents, oleocanthal, also known as (-)decarboxymethyl ligstroside aglycone , has been mainly investigated for its anti-inflammatory activity and its ability to counteract abnormal protein aggregation and deposition involved in Alzheimer’s disease. Oleocanthal demonstrated to possess a strong pleiotropic activity against neurodegeneration as, besides its known biological effects like its anti-inflammatory activity, and its ability to reduce Aβ and neurofibrillary tangles production, new mechanisms of action are emerging like its ability to counteract oxidative stress and to enhance neuron energy metabolism. Moreover, promising results suggest a potential role of this compounds in inhibiting the deleterious effect of protein glycation.