Exploring the Therapeutic Potential of EVOO Components in Treating Neuroblastoma

April 12, 2024 TruthUSA

Phenolic compounds in extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) show potential as a treatment option for childhood cancer neuroblastoma, but further research is necessary.

Children diagnosed with neuroblastoma (NB), a rare type of pediatric cancer that makes up 6 to 10 percent of childhood cancers, often experience challenges post-treatment such as relapse, drug resistance, and toxic side effects from chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Neuroblastoma, a solid tumor located outside the brain, typically originates in early life in the undeveloped nerve cells of a fetus and is usually diagnosed during infancy or early childhood.

While survival rates for children with neuroblastoma have improved significantly in recent years, there are still significant challenges post-treatment, leading researchers to explore the use of plant-based antioxidants in cancer treatment.

A recent study published in Nutrients on March 13 by researchers from Spain, Portugal, and Italy investigated the potential preventative and therapeutic effects of two specific phenolic compounds found in EVOO on neuroblastoma.

The study focused on the antioxidant properties of oleuropein (OLE) and hydroxytyrosol (HT) – two main phenolic compounds in olive oil – on neuroblastoma cells using in vitro and animal models. Since tumor cells produce high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can damage biomolecules like DNA, the researchers aimed to understand how OLE and HT could mitigate this damage.

Promising Results

Previous research showed that OLE and HT exhibited significant anticancer activity in various types of tumors. The study found that both phenolic compounds had the potential to inhibit tumor growth and reduce cell survival through apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. Overall, OLE and HT showed promising capabilities in protecting cells against oxidative damage through their anti-apoptotic and antioxidant properties.

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Using animal models of neuroblastoma, researchers found elevated levels of ROS, especially in the early stages of cancer development, and that conventional treatments could increase free radicals. The authors suggest that antioxidants could have positive effects on cancer therapy, particularly in NB treatment, by balancing ROS levels to prevent harmful activities and potentially reduce side effects from treatments.

The study results were dose-dependent, and questions remain about the effects of high concentrations of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol on healthy tissues. Nevertheless, the research shows promise, but more investigation is needed to understand the potential benefits for pediatric patients.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

This study highlights the benefits of olive oil, especially EVOO. Olive oil is a primary dietary fat in the Mediterranean diet, known for its anti-cancer properties. Numerous studies have shown a lower risk of various cancers with close adherence to the Mediterranean diet. This diet emphasizes fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, moderate intake of eggs, dairy, red wine, fish, poultry, and red meats, and minimal added sugars and processed foods.

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