Abstract
Production of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) represents an important element for the economy of Southern Italy. Therefore, EVOO is recognized as a food with noticeable biological effects. Our study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial activity exhibited by the polyphenolic extracts of EVOOs, obtained from three varieties of Olea europea L. (Ruvea antica, Ravece, and Ogliarola) cultivated in the village of Montella, Avellino, Southern Italy. The study evaluated the inhibiting effect of the extracts against some Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Statistical analysis, used to relate values of antimicrobial activity to total polyphenols and phenolic composition, revealed a different behavior among the three EVOO polyphenol extracts. The method applied could be useful to predict the influence of singular metabolites on the antimicrobial activity.
Highlights
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a food extracted by the mechanical pressing of the fruits of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.)
Taking into account the bioavailability of polyphenols, several authors ascertained that the use of EVOO in food might help in supporting the prevention against foodborne pathogens [5,10]
The aim of our work was to evaluate the antibacterial activity exhibited by the polyphenol fraction of EVOOs, produced with the fruits of three varieties of Olea europea L. (Ruvea antica, Ravece, and Ogliarola) cultivated in Southern Italy
Summary
Extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) is a food extracted by the mechanical pressing of the fruits of the olive tree (Olea europaea L.). Olives and its derived-products, including EVOO, are capable, within certain limits, to resist against the biotic and abiotic stresses, for instance against pathogen attack, affecting the host-pathogen interaction Such property is mainly due to the presence of polyphenols, which can exhibit antimicrobial activity [3]. EVOO polyphenols are considerably absorbed (up to 95%) in humans mainly in the small intestine, where they might exert a significant local action [7] Therein, they undergo different fate: some of them are directly absorbed; others are metabolized giving rise to other molecules, which can play a double role: act against enteropathogens, for instance, and, among other activities, improve the growth of beneficial microbes, acting as prebiotics [8,9]. Statistical analysis correlated the antibacterial activity to the total polyphenols and to the percentage of the single components identified by a chromatographic approach within the three extracts
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
