HYDROXYTYROSOL (OLIVE POLYPHENOL)

What is hydroxytyrosol?

Hydroxytyrosol is a substance found in olive oil. It is a polyphenol, which means it is a plant-based compound known to protect against cell damage due to inflammation and oxidative stress [^[1]].

What does hydroxytyrosol do in the body?

Hydroxytyrosol has anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the activity of cytokines, which are part of the immune response, especially in severe COVID, and can lead to Long COVID. It also prevents oxidative stress and inflammation in cells infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19 [^[2]].

How can hydroxytyrosol help alleviate certain Long COVID symptoms and pathophysiology? 

Given that Long COVID is characterized by oxidative stress and inflammation, hydroxytyrosol can help via its actions preventing oxidative stress and inflammation in cells infected with COVID-19.

Research suggests, furthermore, that lingering SARS-CoV-2 virus can contribute to the pathophysiology of Long COVID and that these effects can be counteracted by antioxidants, including hydroxytyrosol, which reduce oxidative stress in cells [^[3]].

Olive leaf extract improved the clinical status of hospitalized acute COVID-19 patients, improving respiratory rate and oxygen saturation [^[4]]. Because olive polyphenols can improve acute COVID outcomes, they may show clinical promise for Long COVID, although more research is needed.

Combined with the amino acid arginine, hydroxytyrosol could deter the formation of harmful pro-inflammatory substances such as peroxynitrite, which is implicated in COVID-19-related organ dysfunction. Lessening inflammation, supporting immune function, protecting against damage from free radicals, and preventing blood vessel injury are just some things that arginine and hydroxytyrosol can do together [^[2]].