A search forUniversity of Pisa, the results of which were published in the journal Nutrients, proved that the olive leaves they have nutraceutical properties useful for the prevention of many chronic diseases. «The leaves of the olive tree are rich in specific polyphenols such asoleuropein, endowed with important bioactive properties – underlined the professor Maria Digiacomo, of the Department of Pharmacy of the University of Pisa, coordinator of the research.
Digiacomo added that “our study has shown that, by enriching extra virgin olive oil extracts with olive leaf extracts, it is possible to obtain an extract rich in bioactive polyphenols with interesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This derivative could find application in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields or as dietary supplement".
After analyzing the polyphenol content, a was chosen extra virgin olive oil extract enriched with 8% olive leaf extract. “The healthy properties of extra virgin olive oil are well known and are mainly attributed to the various polyphenols, such asoleocanthal andoleacein", highlighted the researcher, who specified that by combining the polyphenols of extra virgin olive oil with those of the olive leaf, there is not a simple additive effect of its activities, but a synergistic effect which significantly increases its bioactive properties.
Furthermore, according to the researcher, this new approach represents a strategy for the subsequent valorisation of the olive leaf as a by-product of great nutraceutical value, thus constituting a profitable alternative to its elimination.
Browse for free l'Olivo News click here
