According to European Patent EP2009/063492, the invention refers to hydroxytyrosol in combination with at least one other ingredient, including the likes of CoQ10, resveratrol, B vitamins, and EGCG from green tea.
“These compositions synergistically enhance the body's own capacity for energy generation and/or enhance cellular energy generation,” explained the patent, available here.
“[The invention] also relates to pharmaceutical and nutraceutical compositions useful for conditions characterized by altered mitochondrial functioning and biogenesis, such as heart strength, various liver diseases, improve muscle /fat ratio and muscle endurance,” it adds.
The patent adds to a number from DSM dating back to 2008 for hydroxytyrosol, indicating a strategic interest in the compound.
The benefits of olive oil
Hydroxytyrosol is thought to be the main antioxidant compound in olives, and believed to play a significant role in the many health benefits attributed to olive oil. Previous research has linked the compound to cardiovascular benefits, with reductions in LDL or 'bad' cholesterol. Data has also suggested the compound may boost eye health and reduce the risk of against macular degeneration.
The patent refers to both synthetic and naturally derived hydroxytyrosol (3,4-dihydroxyphenylethanol). Sources include olive leaves, olive fruits, olive pulp, and olive juice.
Claims associated with the combination of hydroxytyrosol with at least one other listed ingredient include: “Helps promote muscle recovery after exercise”; “helps reduce muscle soreness”; ‘helps boost body's own energy production in a natural sustained way”; “increased muscle work capacity”; “improved aerobic capacity”; “enhanced physical performance”; and “enhanced exercise performance”.
The science
The patent outlines a body of scientific substantiation for the above claims, including data from a mice study which found that mice fed a standard rodent diet supplemented with an olive extract containing 50 percent hydroxytyrosol at daily doses of 50, 150, or 300 mg per kg of body weight. “Hydroxytyrosol significantly increased the running distance to exhaustion in mice and so improved endurance in prolonged exercise,” state the inventors.
The inventors also cite in vitro data which reportedly showed that “hydroxytyrosol promotes mitochondrial activity and mitochondrial biogenesis leading to an enhancement of mitochondrial function and cellular defense system”.
Potential food and beverage applications cited in the patent include an energy drink containing hydroxytyrosol and caffeine, a sport supplement combining the olive extract with creatine, a supplement combining hydroxytyrosol and carnitine for “body shaping /fat burning / improving body composition”, a chocolate bar containing EGCG from green tea and the olive compound, and an energy bar containing a combination of resveratrol and hydroxytyrosol.
IP portfolio
The patent, entitled “Hydroxytyrosol combinations for enhancing mitochondrial function and energy production”, is the latest in a series from DSM involving hydroxytyrosol. Previous patents include:
WO/2008/128704: Use of hydroxytyrosol as anti-aging agent
WO/2009/144093 Hydroxytyrosol benefits mitochondria
WO/2008/128629 Novel use of hydroxytyrosol