Olive Leaf (<b><i>Olea europaea L. folium</i></b>): Potential Effects on Glycemia and Lipidemia

Abstract

Background: Olive tree (Olea europaea, Oleaceae) leaves have been widely used in traditional herbal medicine to prevent and treat various diseases especially in Mediterranean countries. They contain several potentially bioactive compounds that may have hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic properties. Summary: The literature has recently been attempting to define the relationship between olive leaf (Olea europaea L. folium) polyphenols and a number of health problems. Oleuropein, the basic phenolic compound of olive leaf and its extract, is responsible for the characteristic bitter taste and unique aroma of olive fruits. Furthermore, it is shown that oleuropein and its hydrolyzed products have many beneficial effects on human health because of its antioxidant characters. A number of studies report that olive leaf has potentially positive effects on the parameters related to diabetes and cardiovascular diseases by various mechanisms. Besides, toxicity studies suggest that olive leaf is generally safe even at high doses. Key messages: Although current results obtained until today seem promising, the studies in this subject are usually on cell culture and animal trials. Moreover, mostly the extract forms of olive leaves are used in the studies. More randomized controlled human clinical trials with extensive toxicity studies are needed to evaluate potential health effects and safety.

Consumer Attitudes towards Local and Organic Food with Upcycled Ingredients: An Italian Case Study for Olive Leaves

“…In addition, in the traditional culture of many Italian regions, olive leaves, as well as olive oil, have played the role of good luck against the evil eye [1]. Beyond the symbolic properties attributed to olive leaves, they have historically had a pharmacological role in Mediterranean countries and are widely used in traditional herbal medicine to prevent and treat various diseases [2,3].…”

Potential Activity of Aqueous Fig Leaves Extract, Olive Leaves Extract and Their Mixture as Natural Preservatives to Extend the Shelf Life of Pasteurized Buffalo Milk

“…Phenolic compounds in olive leaves are major contributors to their antioxidant effect [27]. According to Acar-Tek and Agagündüz [28], the toxicity studies suggest that olive leaf is generally safe, even at high doses.…”

Antidiabetic effect of olive leaf extract on streptozotocin-induced diabetes mellitus in experimental animals

“…Thus, neuronal and microvascular endothelial cell damage as induced by hyperglycemiamediated oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of neuropathy with loss of protective sensation(23). It has been reported that the antioxidants that directly remove free radicals can reduce the formation or progression of ROS reactions, and thus may improve diabetic neuropathy status by reducing oxidative stress(16).However, the antioxidant effect of olive leaves in the literature is remarkable[3,8]. In our model, antioxidant status was indicated by serum LOOH and thiol levels.…”

“…Therefore, the number of studies on alternative treatments using medicinal plants has increased recently (2). Among these medicinal plants, olive tree leaves, which are an important source of antioxidants, have been used in traditional treatments for centuries in regions where olives grow (3). Moreover, there are numerous academic studies reporting the benefits of olive leaf in terms of health (4)(5)(6).…”

“…Oxidative stress has been an important part of the complex mechanism that leads to the development or aggravation of diabetes and its complications (14). Recently, the relationship between diabetic complications and oxidative stress has been emphasized (3,14,15). Glycemic control is considered the primary therapeutic intervention in DM because hyperglycemia causes an increase in lipid peroxidation, a change in glutathione redox state, and a reduction in antioxidant enzyme activity (8).…”