RESUMEN

Croatian islands are olive growing areas characterized by poor conditions for olive trees because of karst soil and a precipitation deficiency. Under these conditions, irrigation is a very important factor for constant olive oil production. This paper aims to investigate the effects of different watering regimes on quantity, sensory and chemical quality and composition of Coratina cv. olive oil obtained from trees grown on ameliorate karst soil during two harvesting years. Olive trees were subjected to rainfed conditions and three different irrigation treatments (T1-deficit irrigation representing the usual producer's practice, T2-regulated deficit irrigation in respect to phenological stages, T3-full irrigation). Irrigation treatments increased oil yield compared to rainfed conditions (T1 + 58%, T2 + 66% and T3 + 74%, representing average values for both studied years). All olive oil samples were of extra quality. Irrigation led to a decrease in carotenoids, volatiles, polyunsaturated fatty acids and linolenic acid contents, with no difference found among irrigation treatments. Total phenols and secoiridoids concentration was not affected by irrigation, indicating that similar oil quality could be achieved with less demand on the water supply. Obtained results could help producers to define a suitable irrigation management in particular conditions of ameliorate karst.

RESUMEN

Despite the importance of flowering for fruit formation, it has been considered very little in breeding programs involving fruit species, including olives. We evaluated the principal morphological flower-quality components in the olive cultivars, 'Arbequina' and 'Picual', and in the progenies of their crosses. Wide ranges of variation were obtained for all the inflorescence traits and ovary tissue sizes. An analysis of variance indicated that the residual error was the main contributor to the inflorescence traits, except for the number of perfect flowers, underlining the need to evaluate adequate numbers of inflorescences for accurate measurements of these traits. However, the high repeatability obtained for the inflorescence traits suggests that simple evaluation procedures could be accurate enough for genotype characterization. The average values for 'Arbequina' were in the upper range for all the traits; the opposite occurred for 'Picual', and the values for most of the progenies were intermediate. No significant differences between the maternal and paternal effect on inheritance were found. Some interesting transgressive segregants showed a higher flower number, greater ovary and mesocarp size, or percentage of ovaries with all four fully developed ovules. The correlations among the parameters may have reflected a relatively consistent distribution of the ovaries' structural components and a close relationship between the ovaries and their mesocarp growth.

RESUMEN

It is well known that diet and nutrition play a critical role in the etiopathogenesis of many disorders. On the other hand, nutrients or bioactive compounds can specifically target and control various aspects of the mechanism underlying the pathology itself, and, in this context, diseases related to intestinal motility disorders stand out. The Herbal Mix (HM) consisting of Olea europea L. leaf (OEE) and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (HSE) extracts (13:2) has been proven to be a promising nutraceutical option for many diseases, but its potential in inflammatory-driven gastrointestinal disorders is still unexplored. In this study, HM effects on guinea-pig ileum and colon contractility (induced or spontaneous) and on human iNOS activity, as well as on human colorectal adenocarcinoma Caco-2 cells, were studied. Results showed that the HM can control the ileum and colon contractility without blocking the progression of the food bolus, can selectively inhibit iNOS and possesses a strong pro-apoptotic activity towards Caco-2 cells. In conclusion, the present results suggest that, in some diseases, such as those related to motility disorders, an appropriate nutritional approach can be accompanied by a correct use of nutraceuticals that could help not only in ameliorating the symptoms but also in preventing more severe, cancer-related conditions.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Olive (Olea europaea L.) is one of the most economically important crop from east to the west around the world. The aim of this research was to investigate the genetic relationship among 41 olive genotypes, including 11 well-known Turkish cultivars and 30 Azerbaijani olive genotypes using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. In this study, 19 SSR markers were amplified 115 polymorphic SSR alleles. The number of polymorphic alleles ranged from 3 to 10 with an average of 6.05. The observed heterozygosity (Ho) varied from 0.05 to 0.93 with an average of 0.63 and expected heterozygosity (He) differed from 0.26 to 0.86 with an average of 0.72. The polymorphism information content (PIC) ranged from 0.23 to 0.85 with a mean of 0.68. A UPGMA cluster analysis grouped olive genotypes into two distinct clusters and both clusters were divided into two subgroups. Similarly, STRUCTURE analysis assigned olive genotypes into two different gene pools (K = 2) and four gene pools were identified representing the two subgroups by STRUCTURE analysis for K = 4. The genetic similarity of olive genotypes ranged from 0.36 to 0.95. These results revealed that there was a high genetic variation among 30 Azerbaijani olive genotypes. 'Ayvalik 1'and 'Ayvalik 2' from Azerbaijani olive genotypes were different from Turkish local olive cultivar, "Ayvalik" indicating homonymy. This research also highlighted that Azerbaijani olive genotypes were totally distinct from Turkish olive cultivars demonstrating that these olive genotypes might have been imported to Azerbaijan from different countries other than Turkey. The outcomes of this study indicated that these diverse olive genotypes could be useful for development of new olive varieties in Azerbaijan and future breeding programs between two countries could be enhanced by means of these results.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Compounds of natural origin may constitute an interesting tool for the treatment of neuroblastoma, the most prevalent extracranial solid tumor in children. PRES is a commercially available food supplement, composed of a 13:2 (w/w) extracts mix of Olea europaea L. leaves (OE) and Hibiscus sabdariffa L. flowers (HS). Its potential towards neuroblastoma is still unexplored and was thus investigated in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. PRES decreased the viability of cells in a concentration-dependent fashion (24 h IC50 247.2 ± 31.8 µg/mL). Cytotoxicity was accompanied by an increase in early and late apoptotic cells (AV-PI assay) and sub G0/G1 cells (cell cycle analysis), ROS formation, reduction in mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspases activities. The ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine reverted the cytotoxic effects of PRES, suggesting a key role played by ROS in PRES-mediated SH-SY5Y cell death. Finally, the effects of OE and HS extracts were singularly tested and compared to those of the corresponding mixture. OE- or HS-mediated cytotoxicity was always significantly lower than that caused by PRES, suggesting a synergic effect. In conclusion, the present findings highlight the potential of PRES for the treatment of neuroblastoma and offers the basis for a further characterization of the mechanisms underlying its effects.

RESUMEN

Volatile compounds are chemical species responsible for the distinctive aroma of virgin olive oil. Monovarietal olive oils have a peculiar composition of volatiles, some of which are varietal descriptors. In this paper, the total phenolic content (TPC), fatty acid composition, volatile compounds, and sensory profile of monovarietal olive oils from four Dalmatian most common olive cultivars-Oblica, Lastovka, Levantinka, and Krvavica-were studied. The volatile composition of olive oils was analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The highest mean TPC value was measured in Oblica and Krvavica oils (around 438 mg/kg). The difference among cultivars for fatty acids composition was detected for C16:1, C17:0, C18:1, C18:2, and the ratio C18:1/C18:2. Krvavica oils showed clear differences in fatty acid composition compared to oils from other cultivars. The most prevalent volatile compound in all oils was C6 aldehyde E-2-hexenal, with the highest value detected in Levantinka oils (75.89%), followed by Lastovka (55.27%) and Oblica (54.86%). Oblica oils had the highest value of Z-3-hexen-1-ol, which influenced its characteristic banana fruitiness, detected only in this oil. Lastovka oils had the highest amount of several volatiles (heptanal, Z-2-heptenal, hexanal, hexyl acetate), with a unique woody sensation and the highest astringency among all studied cultivars. Levantinka oils had the highest level of almond fruitiness, while Krvavica oils had the highest level of grass fruitiness.

RESUMEN

Owing to the richness of bioactive compounds, Olea europea leaf extracts exhibit a range of health effects. The present research evaluated the antibacterial and antiviral effect of leaf extracts obtained from Olea europea L. var. sativa (OESA) and Olea europea var. sylvestris (OESY) from Tunisia. LC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis allowed the identification of different compounds that contributed to the observed biological properties. Both OESA and OESY were active against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC values between 7.81 and 15.61 µg/mL and between 15.61 and 31.25 µg/mL against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 for OESY and OESA, respectively). The antiviral activity against the herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) was assessed on Vero cells. The results of cell viability indicated that Olea europea leaf extracts were not toxic to cultured Vero cells. The half maximal cytotoxic concentration (CC50) values for OESA and OESY were 0.2 mg/mL and 0.82 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, both a plaque reduction assay and viral entry assay were used to demonstrate the antiviral activity. In conclusion, Olea europea leaf extracts demonstrated a bacteriostatic effect, as well as remarkable antiviral activity, which could provide an alternative treatment against resistant strains.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

Extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO) contains many bioactive compounds with multiple biological activities that make it one of the most important functional foods. Both the constituents of the lipid fraction and that of the unsaponifiable fraction show a clear action in reducing oxidative stress by acting on various body components, at concentrations established by the European Food Safety Authority's claims. In addition to the main product obtained by the mechanical pressing of the fruit, i.e., the EVOO, the residual by-products of the process also contain significant amounts of antioxidant molecules, thus potentially making the Olea europea L. an excellent example of the circular economy. In fact, the olive mill wastewaters, the leaves, the pomace, and the pits discharged from the EVOO production process are partially recycled in the nutraceutical and cosmeceutical fields also because of their antioxidant effect. This work presents an overview of the biological activities of these by-products, as shown by in vitro and in vivo assays, and also from clinical trials, as well as their main formulations currently available on the market.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Olea europea L. subsp. europaea var. sylvestris (Mill) Lehr (Oleaster) is a wild endemic olive tree indigenous to the Mediterranean region. Olea europea leaves represent a natural reservoir of bioactive molecules that can be used for therapeutic purposes. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work was conducted to study antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic activities of flavonoids from oleaster leaves using alloxan-induced diabetic mice. The mode of action of flavonoids against eight receptors that have a high impact on diabetes management and complication was also investigated using molecular docking. RESULTS: During 28 days of mice treatment with doses 25 and 50 mg/kg b.w, the studied flavonoids managed a severe diabetic state (<450 mg/dL), exhibiting a spectacular antidiabetic and antihyperglycemic activity, and improved mice health status compared to diabetic control. The in-silico mode of action of oleaster flavonoids revealed the inhibition of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), Dipeptidyl-peptidase 4 (DPP4), α-Amylase (AAM), α-Glucosidase inhibition, Aldose reductase (AldR), Glycogen phosphorylase (GP), and the activation of free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFAR1). CONCLUSION: The findings obtained in the present work indicate that the flavonoids from the oleaster may constitute a safe multi-target remedy to treat diabetes.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: The role of herbal products in the prevention of cardiovascular disease requires supporting evidence. This open pilot study assessed the effect of 2-month supplementation of a combination of olive leaf and fruit extracts (Tensiofytol®, Tilman SA, Baillonville, Belgium) in the clinical management of hypertension and metabolic syndrome (MetS). METHODS: A total of 663 (pre)-hypertensive patients were enrolled by general practitioners and supplemented for two months with Tensiofytol®, two capsules per day (100 mg/d of oleuropein and 20 mg/d of hydroxytyrosol). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures (SBP/DBP) were measured before and after treatment. Markers of MetS, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), fasting blood glucose (FG) and waist circumference (WC), were also examined. RESULTS: Significant reductions (p < 0.0001) in SBP/DBP (13 ± 10/7.1 ± 6.6 mmHg) were observed and similarly in pre-diabetic and diabetic patients. Improvements in SBP/DPB were independent of age and gender but greater for elevated baseline SBP/DBP. Tensiofytol® supplementation also significantly improved markers of MetS, with a decrease of TG (11%), WC (1.4%) and FG (4.8%) and an increase of HDL-C (5.3%). Minor side effects were reported in 3.2% patients. CONCLUSIONS: This real-life, observational, non-controlled, non-randomized pilot study shows that supplementation of a combination of olive leaf and fruit extracts may be used efficiently and safely in reducing hypertension and MetS markers.

RESUMEN

Oxidative stress (OS) arising from tissue redox imbalance, critically contributes to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, natural compounds, owing to their antioxidant properties, have promising therapeutic potential. Pres phytum (PRES) is a nutraceutical product composed of leaves- and flowers-extracts of Olea europaea L. and Hibiscus sabdariffa L., respectively, the composition of which has been characterized by HPLC coupled to a UV-Vis and QqQ-Ms detector. As PRES possess antioxidant, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties, the aim of this study was to assess its neuroprotective effects in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells and in rat brain slices subjected to OS. PRES (1-50 µg/mL) reverted the decrease in viability as well as the increase in sub-diploid-, DAPI-and annexin V-positive-cells, reduced ROS formation, recovered the mitochondrial potential and caspase-3 and 9 activity changes caused by OS. PRES (50-100 µg/mL) neuroprotective effects occurred also in rat brain slices subjected to H2O2 challenge. Finally, as the neuroprotective potential of PRES is strictly related to its penetration into the brain and a relatively good pharmacokinetic profile, an in-silico prediction of its components drug-like properties was carried out. The present results suggest the possibility of PRES as a nutraceutical, which could help in preventing neurodegenerative diseases.

RESUMEN

AIM: The objective of the present study was to investigate in vitro anticoccidial effect of olive pulp (Olea europaea L var. Chemlal) extract on the destruction of Eimeria spp. oocysts isolated from infected chickens naturally. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The olive pulp (OP) powder was stirred manually in aqueous ethanol in preparation for extraction using the microwave-assisted extraction system. The identification of the phenolic compounds was obtained by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with electrospray ionisation (HPLC-ESI-MS). The treatment of Eimeria oocyst with OP extract and standard compounds (quercetin and oleuropein) leads to their lysis as shown by the release of substances absorbing at 273 nm. RESULTS: Our results showed that the maximum number of reduced oocysts was recorded after 8 h of incubation of optimum OP extract, quercetin and oleuropein for different periods of time. Also, the number of Eimeria oocysts decreased considerably with increase concentrations after adding the optimum of OP extract in concentration ranging from 0.023 to 0.371 mg/ml. Positive correlation between the optimum OP extract concentrations and the number of Eimeria oocysts reduced was R2 = 0.959. From this in vitro experiment, it can be concluded that the OP extract possesses an anti-Eimeria spp activity. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first time that quercetin and oleuropein were tested to evaluate their anticoccidial activity. The findings of this study showed that phenolic compound of OP extract tested separately possesses anti-Eimeria spp. effect. Further studies should be carried out to test its in vivo efficacy of the OP bioactive compounds in broiler chickens.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

This study aimed to investigate the firmness retention by ethylene treatment in olive fruit, as observed earlier. Ethylene concentrations up to 1000 µL L-1 were applied to dark green 'Konservolia' olives harvested shortly before the green maturation and exposed to 20 °C for up to 9 d. Surprisingly, the results indicated a tendency to fruit firmness increases in concentration-dependent manner in a non-climacteric fruit. The highest concentration increased the firmness within 12 h by approximately 1.35-fold, but transiently for approximately up to 5 d; all ethylene inhibitors tested, either of synthesis (ethoxyvinyl glycine or AVG), or perception (1 -methyl-cyclopropene or 1-MCP, and silver nitrate) prevented the firmness increase. Texture was evaluated by firmness and changes in lignin, cellulose (CL), total pectins (TPC), water soluble pectins (WSP) and total non-cellulosic sugars (total sugars) concentrations, and in pectin esterification degree (DE) in the alcohol insoluble residue (AIR) of 'Konservolia' fruit pericarp during 1.5-d, 5-d and 10-d treatments with 1000 µL L-1 ethylene at 20 °C. Pectins in AIR were also extracted sequentially with cyclohexane-trans-1,2-diaminetetra-acetate (CDTA), Na2CO3, 1 M and 4 M KOH. The results showed that on day 1.5, the increased firmness was consistent with increased CL (crystalline formation, as observed by microscopy), total sugars and DE levels, but reduced WSP, whereas softening reversed the changes and lowered TPC and CDTA-soluble pectins in all fruit on day 10. However, on day 5 ethylene-treated olives exhibited a transitional phase during softening, characterized by retention of high TPC concentration and energy demand, as indicated by elevated respiration rates. The inhibitor 1-MCP, applied before ethylene, did inhibit the responses to ethylene treatment. Ethylene firming effect and the respective cell wall changes in olives are demonstrated for first time. The experiments could be used for research on perception and transcription responses to ethylene in olive, a non-climacteric fruit. In practice, high ethylene concentrations could also be beneficial for firmness increase and/or short storage of dark green olives.

Asunto(s)

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Three treatments of regulated deficit irrigation (RDI) were assayed on olive trees for table olive production. RDI provides hydroSOStainable crops. The effect of RDI treatments on the quality of raw and table olives was determined based on their: weight, pit weight, fruit/pit ratio, size, texture, colour, mineral content, antioxidant activity, total phenol content and organic acid and sugar profile. RESULTS: HydroSOStainable olives showed the most attractive shape and colour: highest fruit weight, roundest fruit, hardest texture and a lightest and greenest colour than control olives. Minerals, antioxidants, phenols and organic acids and sugars of hydroSOStainable olives were similar to control olives. After processing to table olives, calcium, potassium, antioxidants and phenols contents decreased, whereas sugars and organic acids profiles changed in both types of olives. CONCLUSIONS: HydroSOStainable table olives offer environmental and quality advantages over control olives given the reduced use of fresh water and favourable morphological traits, which are more attractive for consumers. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Asunto(s)