Oral Supplementation with Hydroxytyrosol Synthesized Using Genetically Modified Escherichia coli Strains and Essential Oils Mixture: A Pilot Study on the Safety and Biological Activity

Abstract

Several natural compounds have been explored as immune-boosting, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory dietary supplements. Amongst them, hydroxytyrosol, a natural antioxidant found in olive products, and endemic medicinal plants have attracted the scientific community’s and industry’s interest. We investigated the safety and biological activity of a standardised supplement containing 10 mg of hydroxytyrosol synthesized using genetically modified Escherichia coli strains and equal amounts (8.33 μL) of essential oils from Origanum vulgare subsp. hirtum, Salvia fruticosa and Crithmum maritimum in an open-label, single-arm, prospective clinical study. The supplement was given to 12 healthy subjects, aged 26–52, once a day for 8 weeks. Fasting blood was collected at three-time points (weeks 0, 8 and follow-up at 12) for analysis, which included full blood count and biochemical determination of lipid profile, glucose homeostasis and liver function panel. Specific biomarkers, namely homocysteine, oxLDL, catalase and total glutathione (GSH) were also studied. The supplement induced a significant reduction in glucose, homocysteine and oxLDL levels and was tolerated by the subjects who reported no side effects. Cholesterol, triglyceride levels and liver enzymes remained unaffected except for LDH. These data indicate the supplement’s safety and its potential health-beneficial effects against pathologic conditions linked to cardiovascular disease.

Isolation and Characterization of Phenylalanine Ammonia Lyase (PAL) Genes in Ferula pseudalliacea: Insights into the Phenylpropanoid Pathway

“…By utilizing these isoforms, researchers can enhance the production of compounds with medicinal properties in engineered microbial strains within industrial bioreactors [ 7 ]. This approach offers a sustainable and efficient method for the large-scale production of these valuable compounds [ 8 , 9 ]. The identification of PAL genes as promising candidates for future metabolite engineering projects further underscores the importance of this research in advancing biotechnological applications in the pharmaceutical industry.…”

Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant and Anti-Amyloid Capacities of Salvia fruticosa Extracts from Greece

“…In another project, SF, among others, has been employed for the development of a substrate of polyphenols and flavonoids to prevent and treat peri-implant mucositis, with promising results in patients [ 29 ]. Finally, an open-label, single-arm, prospective clinical study implemented to assess the efficacy of a mixture of hydroxytyrosol and essential oils from several plant species, SF included, showed antidiabetic properties, such as reduced blood glucose [ 30 ].…”

“…FRAPµmol AAE/g 2432 30. ± 185.96 3034.28 ± 76.11 3880.82 ± 62.38 2499.06 ± 109.30 1165.42 ± 149.29 µmol TEAC/g 2610.12 ± 96.27 3216.10 ± 56.97 4229.90 ± 213.91 2677.32 ± 215.68 1237.83 ± 107.97 Findings are displayed as average ± standard deviation.…”