Tyrosol, a main phenol present in extra virgin olive oil, increases lifespan and stress resistance in Caenorhabditis elegans

Abstract

Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) consumption has been traditionally related to a higher longevity in the human population. EVOO effects on health are often attributed to its unique mixture of phenolic compounds with tyrosol and hydroxityrosol being the most biologically active. Although these compounds have been extensively studied in terms of their antioxidant potential and its role in different pathologies, their actual connection with longevity remains unexplored. This study utilized the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to investigate the possible effects of tyrosol in metazoan longevity. Significant lifespan extension was observed at one specific tyrosol concentration, which also induced a higher resistance to thermal and oxidative stress and delayed the appearance of a biomarker of ageing. We also report that, although tyrosol was efficiently taken up by these nematodes, it did not induce changes in development, body length or reproduction. In addition, lifespan experiments with several mutant strains revealed that components of the heat shock response (HSF-1) and the insulin pathway (DAF-2 and DAF-16) might be implicated in mediating tyrosol effects in lifespan, while caloric restriction and sirtuins do not seem to mediate its effects. Together, our results point to hormesis as a possible mechanism to explain the effects of tyrosol on longevity in C. elegans.

Uncovering the Geroprotective Potential of Medicinal Plants from the Judea Region of Israel

“…From this perspective, it would be of special interest to examine the fractions containing the polysaccharides, polyphenols, and flavonoids, as compounds belonging to these chemical classes have already been shown to possess geroprotective activities. Examples include myricetin found in many edible plants, 23 tyrosol, 24 and secoiridoid polyphenols 25 from olive oil, and the whole-apple extracts that are enriched in flavonoids. 26 The above compounds or extracts increased the resistance to stress and extended life span in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans [24][25][26] or exhibited anti-cancer activity and prevented induction of cellular senescence.…”

“…Examples include myricetin found in many edible plants, 23 tyrosol, 24 and secoiridoid polyphenols 25 from olive oil, and the whole-apple extracts that are enriched in flavonoids. 26 The above compounds or extracts increased the resistance to stress and extended life span in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans [24][25][26] or exhibited anti-cancer activity and prevented induction of cellular senescence. 26 With regard to the reported data and on the basis of results obtained in this study, the Judean plants warrant further experimental investigation for their geroprotective activity.…”

Olive oil and its phenolic compounds (hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol) ameliorated TCDD-induced heptotoxicity in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis

“…HT and TY, the simple phenolic compounds found in olive oil, were also shown to exhibit various pharmacological health benefits. They have been reported to inhibit oxidative stress induced by various toxic chemicals and improvising the antioxidant defense system by modulating several signaling pathways (Canuelo et al, 2012;Martin et al, 2011). Previous study in our lab showed the protective potential of olive oil against Benzo(a)pyrene-induced damages in rat liver microsomes (Devi et al, 2008).…”

Developing criteria for evaluation of geroprotectors as a key stage toward translation to the clinic

“…It is able to increase both mean and maximum lifespan in C. elegans (Canuelo et al ., 2012) and is well tolerated (Tuck & Hayball, 2002). Tyrosol can afford considerable protection against aging‐associated heart deterioration (Owen et al ., 2000).…”