Tyrosol is an organic compound with the formula HOC6H4CH2CH2OH. Classified as a phenylethanoid, i.e. a derivative of phenethyl alcohol, It is found in a variety of natural sources. The compound is colorless solid. The principal source in the human diet is olive oil.[1][2]
As an antioxidant, tyrosol may protect cells against injury due to oxidation in vitro.[3] Although it is not as potent as other antioxidants present in olive oil (e.g., hydroxytyrosol), its higher concentration and good bioavailability indicate that it may have an important overall effect.[4]
Tyrosol may also be cardioprotective. Tyrosol-treated animals showed significant increase in the phosphorylation of Akt, eNOS and FOXO3a.[5] In addition, tyrosol also induced the expression of the protein SIRT1 in the heart after myocardial infarction in a rat MI model.[6]
Tyrosol forms esters with a variety of organic acids.[7]
^Lucas, Ricardo; Comelles, Francisco; AlcáNtara, David; Maldonado, Olivia S.; Curcuroze, Melanie; Parra, Jose L.; Morales, Juan C. (2010). "Surface-Active Properties of Lipophilic Antioxidants Tyrosol and Hydroxytyrosol Fatty Acid Esters: A Potential Explanation for the Nonlinear Hypothesis of the Antioxidant Activity in Oil-in-Water Emulsions". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 58 (13): 8021–8026. doi:10.1021/jf1009928. PMID20524658.