Findings of a recent study suggested that a compound found in the peel of olives can help protect individuals against the development of colon cancer.

According to the study conducted by the University of Granada and the University of Barcelona, maslinic acid, a triterpenoid compound vastly available in the olive peel, inhibits the cell proliferation process, leading to programmed cell death (apoptosis) in colon-cancer cells.

While maslinic acid is found in many plants, the waxy skin of an olive is a rich source, containing 80 percent of the acid.
Previous studies had also reported the anti-cancer properties of triterpenoids, indicating that they induce apoptosis in cancer cells through interfering with the DNA repair, cell cycle arrest, and cell differentiation processes.

Scientists are optimistic that their findings will pave the way for the development of natural and less pricey treatments for colon carcinoma.