In an episode of the X-Health.show, Prof Roland Martin, co-founder of Noubrain and renowned neurologist, provides exciting insights into the potential of hydroxytyrosol. This powerful antioxidant from olives and olive leaves has the potential to promote brain health and treat neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's or Parkinson's as well as injuries such as traumatic brain injury.
The following topics are discussed in this episode:
How and when the ageing process of the brain begins.
What free radicals are and how they damage the brain.
How hydroxytyrosol acts as a natural protective substance for the brain.
The results of preclinical studies on brain and spinal cord trauma, depression, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Below you will find a short summary of the episode. For more exciting insights, we recommend you listen to the full episode ‘New Antioxidant Supplement for Brain Longevity: Prof Roland Martin, Noubrain’ wherever podcasts are available.

A look at science
Prof Martin explains that the brain begins to age from the age of 30. This natural process is accelerated by harmful molecules, known as free radicals, which attack nerve cells and can cause damage. This damage is often associated with diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression or the consequences of a stroke. Hydroxytyrosol, a component of olives, acts as a protective shield against these free radicals. It can:
Reduce oxidative stress: Free radicals are neutralised, protecting cells from damage.
Inhibit inflammation: Inflammatory processes often occur after injuries or chronic illnesses, which hydroxytyrosol can calm down.
Protect nerve cells: Hydroxytyrosol helps to maintain the function of nerve cells by reducing oxidative stress and thus supporting cell protection.
Results from preclinical studies
Preclinical studies are investigations carried out in the laboratory or on animal models before new approaches are tested in clinical trials on humans. They provide important information on the safety and efficacy of active substances.
In such studies, the effects of hydroxytyrosol were investigated in more detail:
Multiple sclerosis: Unpublished results show that hydroxytyrosol can reduce inflammation-related damage and improve mobility in MS models.
Alzheimer's and Parkinson's: Hydroxytyrosol reduces the formation of beta-amyloid and other toxic proteins typical of these diseases.
Traumatic brain injury and depression: models of brain and spinal cord trauma show that hydroxytyrosol promotes cell protection and at the same time can protect against long-term damage.
The vision of Noubrain
Noubrain is developing food supplements based on hydroxytyrosol that have the potential to support brain health in the long term. Prof Martin emphasises that this form of neuroprotection could play an important role not only preventively, but also in supporting brain health in neurodegenerative diseases.