Updated Mineral Composition and Potential Therapeutic Properties of Different Varieties of Olive Leaves from Olea europaea

Abstract

Olea europaea L. folium has been studied for its potential nutraceutical properties. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted on samples of Madural, Verdeal, and Cobrançosa elementary leaves and leave sprouts (mamões) collected in the region of Valpaços, Portugal. Mineral analysis determined the measurements of the levels of several macro- and micro-elements based on ICP-MS techniques. The inorganic analysis in this work allowed us to propose olive leaf extract (OLE) from different cultivars as a viable and affordable source of mineral substrates to address disorders related to essential elements such as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, and Cu deficiencies. Given the importance of the research on novel therapies, finding a suitable substrate for extracting quality amounts of mineral is a priority. The physiological influence of enzymes dependent on minerals with regard to neuroinflammatory and neurobehavioral, metabolic, cardiovascular, osteodegenerative, anti-aging, pulmonary, and immunological defense disorders might dictate the importance of further research for designing supplementation based on the nutraceutical potential of OLE of these cultivars predominant in the northern region of Portugal.

Potential Therapeutic Properties of Olea europaea Leaves from Selected Cultivars Based on Their Mineral and Organic Profiles

“…On the other hand, our results identified a particularly high value of As in the Verdeal extract of O. europaea , at 7 ± 0.03 mg/kg, which is concerning for the associated toxic effects. The latter’s inorganic study identified an As value of <0.25 mg/kg, much more inferior, probably due to differences already described before [ 39 ]. Several strategies for As removal from soil should be considered to avoid the intake of this element by the olive tree [ 47 ].The inorganic analysis in this work concedes us to propose OLE from selected cultivars as a practical and inexpensive source of mineral substrates to address the aforementioned disorders related to essential elements such as Ca, K, Mg, Mn, Fe, and Cu deficiencies.…”

“…Amidst metals currently considered essential for normal biofunctioning, our results identified Na, K, Mg, and Ca and block transition metal elements Mn, Fe, and Cu [ 29 ]. Chronic low body calcium levels in osteoporosis are usually counteracted through a balanced diet and calcium supplements, often associated with vitamin D and/or Mg [ 39 ]. A rich intake of Ca, vitamin D, and protein calls for higher levels of Mg, as well as hypomagnesemia, which may result in hypocalcemia and hypokalemia [ 40 , 41 , 42 , 43 ].…”

“…A vegetarian lifestyle prevents Mn deficiency though it might lead to iron deficiency [ 44 ], which in turn may lead to anemia, and copper build-up in the duodenal epithelium and liver [ 45 ]. Copper is predominantly found in the human brain, being absorbed in the intestine and excreted through bile [ 46 ]; moreover, it has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD), among others [ 39 ]. On the other hand, our results identified a particularly high value of As in the Verdeal extract of O. europaea , at 7 ± 0.03 mg/kg, which is concerning for the associated toxic effects.…”

Combining Copper and Zinc into a Biosensor for Anti-Chemoresistance and Achieving Osteosarcoma Therapeutic Efficacy

“…Copper and zinc both regulate each other's levels in our bodies' metabolism [44]. Chronic high zinc consumption is toxic, as is myeloneuropathy [45], and inhibits copper absorption, causing in copper deficiency or hypocupremia [46][47]. Additional zinc was added to oral D-penicillamine [48] in Wilson disease therapy [49], which found efficacy in decreasing unnecessary copper absorption and chelation, resulting in side effects [50].…”

Combining Copper and Zinc into a Biosensor for Anti-Chemoresistance and Achieving Osteosarcoma Therapeutic Efficacy

“…Copper and zinc both regulate each other’s levels in our bodies’ metabolisms [ 43 ]. Chronic high zinc consumption is toxic, as is myeloneuropathy [ 44 ], and inhibits copper absorption, causing copper deficiency or hypocupraemia [ 45 , 46 ]. Additional zinc was added to oral D-penicillamine [ 47 ] in Wilson disease therapy [ 48 ], which found efficacy in decreasing unnecessary copper absorption and chelation, resulting in side effects [ 49 ].…”