Numerous laboratory studies over the past ten years have confirmed the tremendous antioxidant activity of olive polyphenols, especially hydroxytyrosol. As science progresses, the role of antioxidants in supporting health cannot be underestimated, since numerous inflammatory and stress-related diseases in humans and animals can be directly attributed to the damaging effects of free radicals. Yet simply possessing antioxidant activity does not necessarily guarantee that a substance provides antioxidant protection, because absorption rates vary with different antioxidant compounds. Oleuropin, for example, the active constituent of olive leaves, has a relatively high ORAC value (about half that of HIDROX™), yet the molecule is large and poorly absorbed. HIDROX™, on the other hand, is a much smaller molecule with significantly better bioavailability. 

The antioxidant activity of olive polyphenols has shown promising results.  Their potential health benefits include:

• Atherosclerosis
When LDL (bad) cholesterol becomes oxidized by free radicals, the resulting plaque sticks to the arterial lining and contributes to the progression of atherosclerosis. A common marker of cholesterol oxidation is the formation of isoprostanes. One in vivo research study found that hydroxytyrosol inhibited the production of isoprostanes. 

• Antimicrobial Activity
Olive polyphenols have been demonstrated in vitro to inhibit or delay the growth rate of bacteria such as salmonella, cholerae, staphylococcus and pseudomonas, as well as viruses such as influenza. These data suggest a potential role of olive polyphenols in promoting intestinal and respiratory health in humans and animals, and as an antimicrobial food additive in pest management programs. 

• Cancer
A growing body of evidence suggests free radicals are involved in the etiology of fat-related tumors. Recent studies have shown that olive polyphenols have a potent inhibitory effect on free radicals associated with colon and breast pathologies. 

• Oxidative Stress From Passive Smoking
Cigarette smoke increases production of free radicals. One in vivo study found that even a low dose of hydroxytyrosol dramatically reduced the consequences of smoke-induced oxidative stress. 

• Skin Damage
When skin cells are overexposed to sun rays, destructive free radicals are produced, causing skin damage. Compared to traditional antioxidants used to prevent skin damage by the cosmetic industry, such as tocopherols from vitamin E, olive polyphenols have the highest activity as free radical scavengers.