Lipophilic hydroxytyrosol esters: fatty acid conjugates for potential topical administration

J Nat Prod. 2011 Nov 28;74(11):2377-81. doi: 10.1021/np200405s. Epub 2011 Oct 20.

Abstract

Hydroxytyrosol is a potent antioxidant natural molecule isolated from olive leaves and fruits. The presence of three hydroxy groups in its structure poses a limit for the topical application of this lead compound. A set of hydroxytyrosol conjugates with fatty acids at different molecular weights were synthesized under mild conditions. The topical delivery features of this new set of antioxidant molecules were evaluated as a function of their permeation profiles through the human stratum corneum and viable epidermis membranes. A dependence on their partition coefficients, their molecular weights, and their isometric configurations was then postulated. Encouraging results prompt further investigations on the polyfunctional role that hydroxytyrosol conjugates could have as agents in both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant therapies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / chemistry
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / metabolism*
  • Antioxidants / chemistry
  • Antioxidants / metabolism*
  • Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid
  • Fatty Acids / chemical synthesis
  • Fatty Acids / chemistry
  • Fatty Acids / metabolism*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Biomolecular
  • Olea / chemistry*
  • Phenylethyl Alcohol / administration & dosage
  • Phenylethyl Alcohol / analogs & derivatives*
  • Phenylethyl Alcohol / chemistry
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
  • Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antioxidants
  • Fatty Acids
  • 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol
  • Phenylethyl Alcohol