Abstract
Type 2 diabetes currently accounts for more than 90% of all diabetic patients. Lifestyle interventions and notably dietary modifications are one of the mainstays for the prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. In this context, the Mediterranean diet with its elevated content of phytonutrients has been demonstrated to effectively improve glucose homeostasis. Oleuropein is the most abundant polyphenolic compound contained in extra-virgin olive oil and might account for some of the anti-diabetic actions of the Mediterranean diet. With the aim to provide an overview of the possible contributions of oleuropein to glucose metabolism, we conducted a PubMed/Medline search in order to provide an update to the available evidence regarding this interesting compound. This narrative review summarizes the data that was obtained in in vitro and animal studies and the results of clinical investigations. Preclinical studies indicate that oleuropein improves glucose transport, increases insulin sensitivity, and facilitates insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells, thereby supporting the hypothesis of the possible benefits of the control of hyperglycemia. However, on the clinical side, the available evidence is still preliminary and requires more extensive investigations. Thus, many questions remain unanswered in regards to the potential benefits of oleuropein in diabetes prevention and treatment. These questions should be addressed in appropriately designed studies in the future.
Highlights
Academic Editor: MariaIt is more than 50 years since the benefits of the Mediterranean diet on the prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and diet-related metabolic conditions, like diabetes, have been convincingly demonstrated [1]
The reduced incidence of type 2 diabetes has been reported in prospective studies, which have demonstrated the important benefits of the Mediterranean diet [2,3]
A Mediterranean dietary pattern is effective in managing nutrition-related metabolic disorders, including diabetes
Summary
It is more than 50 years since the benefits of the Mediterranean diet on the prevention of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases, cancers, and diet-related metabolic conditions, like diabetes, have been convincingly demonstrated [1]. Dietary interventions are one of the mainstays of the treatment of type 2 diabetes and large studies have consistently demonstrated that these interventions, including the Mediterranean diet, have significant impacts on the clinical outcomes of this condition [4]. Pharmaceutics 2022, 14, 40 clinical setting and many dietary intervention studies have consistently reported substantial benefits on human health [6]. Oleuropein has developed a growing interest in regard to the phenolic compounds contained in EVOO because of its broad metabolic effects. These effects might contribute to the benefits that are commonly seen in subjects who eat a Mediterranean diet. This article will provide the readership with an update on the currently available evidence on this interesting compound and hopefully trigger further clinical research in order to develop better knowledge and to set the stage for its routine use
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