## Research summary:
A 2022 review published in Science Direct}} examined the chemical makeup and biological properties of avocado seed extracts. Here’s what the research found:
### Chemical Composition
Avocado seeds contain concentrated amounts of bioactive compounds including catechin, epicatechin, procyanidins, acetogenins, flavonoids, triterpenes, phytosterols, and polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols.
### Laboratory and Animal Studies
In test-tube studies and animal models, these seed extracts showed several biological activities:
* Anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-1β, and nitric oxide
* Strong antioxidant activity, neutralizing reactive oxygen species and stabilizing free radicals
* Blood sugar and cholesterol reduction in diabetic or high-cholesterol rats, possibly by promoting glycogen storage and affecting liver metabolism
* Inhibition of cholinesterase enzymes (AChE and BChE), suggesting potential cognitive support
* Induced cell death and inhibited growth in several cancer cell lines (breast, colon, liver, lung) through polyphenol and triterpenoid mechanisms
### Limitations
All these findings come from preclinical research. There are no confirmed human clinical trials demonstrating safety or effectiveness for topical or oral use. The authors conclude that while avocado seeds show promising pharmacological potential and could be developed as functional ingredients, further toxicological testing and controlled human studies are needed before any home or medical use can be considered evidence-based.
### Reference
Comprehensive review article:
Tremocoldi MA, Rosalen PL, Franchin M, et al. Avocado seed discoveries: Chemical composition, biological properties, and industrial food applications. Food Chem X. 2022;16:100525. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590157522003054