Maslinic acid

Maslinic acid is a compound derived from dry olive-pomace oil (an olive skin wax) which is a byproduct of olive oil extraction. It is a member of the group of triterpenes known as oleananes.

Maslinic acid is found in a number of natural sources, most notably pomace olive oil (orujo). This pentacyclic triterpene has an antiproliferative agent against Caco-2 cancer cells (EC50 = 15 µM), HT-29 human colon cancer cells (EC50 = 74 µM), 1321N1 astrocytoma cells (IC50 = 25 µM), and human leukemia (CCRF-CEM and CEM/ADR5000) cells (IC50 = 7 µM and 9 µM respectively).1,2,3,4 Maslinic acid · s antiproliferative activity likely comes from the induction of an oxidative apoptotic pathway, causing cell cycle and cytoskeleton alterations. Maslinic acid has been found to attenuate intracellular oxidative stress via inhibition of NO and H2O2 production and reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokine generation in murine macrophages.5 Recently maslinic acid has been found to inhibit the spread of the HIV virus by inhibiting the replication of a primary HIV-1 isolate as well as decreased the cytopathic effect and p24 antigen levels in MT2 cells.6

5 Martín, A.M., De La Puerta Vázquez, R., Fernández-Arche, A., et al. Supressive effect of maslinic acid from pomace olive oil on oxidative stress and cytokine production in stimulated murine macrophages. Free Radic Res 40(3) 295-302 (2006).

6 García, A. Compound from olive-pomace oil inhibits HIV spread. 070709111536 1 (2007).

In vitro study shows that maslinic acid inhibits serine proteases, key enzymes necessary for the spread of HIV within an individuals body. It also has in vitro antiproliferative effects on colon cancer cells.Maslinic acid upregulates EAAT2 (GLT-1) glutamate reuptake and may reduce glutamatergic toxicity.