Oleuropein and Cancer Chemoprevention: the Link is Hot

Cancer comprises a collection of related diseases characterized by the existence of altered cellular pathways resulting in an abnormal tendency for uncontrolled growth. A broad spectrum, coordinated, and personalized approach focused on targeting diverse oncogenic pathways with low toxicity and economic natural compounds can provide a real benefit as a chemopreventive and/or treatment of this complex disease. Oleuropein, a bioactive phenolic compound mainly present in olive oil and other natural sources, has been reported to modulate several oncogenic signalling pathways. This review presents and critically discusses the available literature about the anticancer and onco-suppressive activity of oleuropein and the underlying molecular mechanisms implicated in the anticarcinogenic and therapeutic effects. The existence of limitations and the promising perspectives of research on this phenolic compound are also critically analyzed and discussed.This article is the outcome of an in-house financially non-supported study. A. Sureda was partially supported by the Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality (CIBEROBN-B12/03/30038). A. Mocan acknowledges funding from UEFISCDI, Romania, project no. PNII-RU-TE-2014-4-1247.