A team of researchers fromBezmialem Vakıf University in Istanbul has made an important step in research on COVID-19 , finding that olive leaf extract could have a significant impact on reducing the entry of SARS-CoV-2 virus in human cells. The study focused on how this natural extract regulates the expression of three key enzymes used by the virus to infect cells: ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and furin.
SARS-CoV-2 and key enzymes
SARS-CoV-2, responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic, is characterized by its ability to mutate, which calls into question the long-term effectiveness of vaccines. With no definitive treatment available, scientists are exploring new therapeutic agents that are accessible, safe, and effective. In this context, the enzymes ACE-2, TMPRSS2 and furin are essential for the virus to enter cells and initiate infection, making them key targets for drug development.
What's so special about olive leaf extract?
Olive leaf extract has attracted scientific interest for its therapeutic potential in various diseases. In this study, researchers analyzed its effect on the proteins ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and furin, which facilitate the entry of SARS-CoV-2 into human cells. The research showed that olive leaf extract decreased the expression of these proteins in a dose-dependent manner, meaning the higher the concentration of the extract, the greater the inhibition observed.
The study identified that the concentration of 100 μg/ml of olive leaf extract was found to be the most effective in reducing these proteins, suggesting that olive leaf extract may play a key role in preventing viral infection.
Methods and main results
To conduct this study, the researchers used a cell culture approach. They measured the levels of oleuropein, an active compound present in olive leaf extract, using advanced techniques such as liquid chromatography (LC-HR-MS). They also assessed the cell viability and antioxidant capacity of the extract using luminometric and photometric methods.
The most notable finding was that olive leaf extract significantly reduced the levels of the proteins ACE-2, TMPRSS2, and furin, three of the mechanisms used by SARS-CoV-2 to enter human cells. This effect was more pronounced at higher doses of olive leaf extract, suggesting that this natural extract could become a complementary therapeutic tool against COVID-19.
Next steps
Despite the promising results, the researchers emphasize that this study is just the beginning. Although olive leaf extract has shown great potential in this experimental model, further studies on virus-infected cells are still needed to confirm its effectiveness in a more real-world setting.
Olive leaf extract, thanks to its antioxidant properties and its ability to reduce the expression of SARS-CoV-2 entry enzymes, could represent a valuable natural supplement in the fight against future variants of COVID-19. This discovery, although preliminary, offers a very interesting perspective on the use of natural compounds to fight the virus, especially at a time when the search for therapeutic alternatives remains crucial.
