Oruç YUNUSOĞLU, İrem KALFA, Esma KOYUNCU
İstanbul Journal of Pharmacy - 2026;56(1):80-104
The beneficial effects of natural plant polyphenols on human health have been extensively evaluated in numerous scientific studies. Oleuropein, a phenolic compound and ester of elenolic acid and hydroxytyrosol (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol), is present in various parts of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.) and has garnered significant scientific interest due to its broad therapeutic profile. An updated and comprehensive review of the existing literature was conducted using databases such as Scopus, PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, ScienceDirect, SciELO, and SciVerse, without temporal restrictions. This review highlights recent advancements in the therapeutic potential, biological activities, and pharmacological properties of oleuropein, with emphasis on its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, antiallergic, anti-osteoporotic, anti-ageing, immunomodulatory, anti-obesity, anti-atherosclerotic, cardioprotective, hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, anti-Alzheimer, antiepileptic, anti-Parkinson, anxiolytic, reproductive, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and endocrine systems. Although oleuropein is utilised as a dietary supplement in various pharmaceutical forms (e.g., tablets, capsules) for certain health conditions, no formulation has yet received regulatory approval from the European Medicines Agency or the United States Food and Drug Administration for the prevention or treatment of diseases. Ongoing comprehensive investigations continue to expand the understanding of oleuropein's pharmacological properties, therapeutic potential, and biochemical activities. Based on the current findings, oleuropein represents a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of various systemic diseases. However, its specific effects and underlying mechanisms in distinct pathological conditions require further validation through future preclinical and clinical studies.
