Extra Virgin Olive Oil Phenolic Compounds: Modulating Mitochondrial Function and Protecting Against Chronic Diseases-A Narrative Review

Abstract

Background: Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), an essential element of the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), has demonstrated considerable potential in improving mitochondrial health and protecting against chronic diseases. This narrative review aims to explore how the main phenolic compounds found in EVOO-hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein, and oleocanthal-contribute to mitochondrial health by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Methods: A search for scientific evidence was carried out between October 2024 and March 2025 in different bibliographic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, SciSpace, and ResearchRabbit databases. The search strategy included combinations of terms such as "extra virgin olive oil", "EVOO polyphenols", "mitochondrial function", "oxidative stress", "inflammation", "mitophagy", and "chronic diseases". Preclinical, clinical, and mechanistic studies were included, giving priority to peer-reviewed publications.

Results: This narrative review shows how some bioactive components of EVOO activate cellular pathways, such as mTOR, AMPK and sirtuins, which promote mitochondrial biogenesis, improve the efficiency of the electron transport chain, and protect mitochondrial DNA integrity. Furthermore, EVOO improves mitochondrial membrane fluidity and integrity, ensuring its functionality and efficiency. On the other hand, nutrition literacy, an important component of health, is a critical determinant of people's eating behaviors.

Conclusions: Although recent scientific evidence supports the metabolic benefits of EVOO components on mitochondrial metabolism and function, further nutritional intervention studies with these components are recommended to confirm their clinical relevance as a dietary tool aimed at preventing and/or delaying age-related metabolic diseases.

Keywords: Mediterranean diet (MedDiet); aging; extra virgin olive oil (EVOO); mitochondria; polyphenols.

Figure 1

Benefits of EVOO on mitochondria. This figure was created using Biorender Program. It show how affect EVOO in mitochondrial metabolism, favoring the mitochondrial function as respiratory chain, mitochondrial biogenesis, DNA synthesis (up arrows) and decreasing (down arrows) oxidative stress. EVOO generates protective benefits at the brain, cardiovascular and metabolic levels.