Wild Olive Research Articles

Antibacterial Activity of the Phenolic Extract of Wild Virgin Olive Oil In Vitro

Background: The olive tree (Olea europaea L.), the most widespread plant species in the Mediterranean basin, includes two forms: cultivated (var Europaea) and wild (var Sylvestris). Wild olive trees or oleasters cover large areas in Algeria. It has been shown that oil from oleaster has a higher content of phenolic compounds, which could have antimicrobial properties. Objective:: The objective of this study was to assess the antibacterial activity of phenolic extracts from four Algerian oleaster oils and an extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) from Chemlal variety. Methods: Phenolic compounds were determined by UHPLC-MS. Antibacterial activity was tested against six referenced human enteropathogenic bacteria by the agar disc diffusion method by measuring the diameters of the zone of inhibition. Results: The results revealed a similarity between the phenolic composition of oleasters 1 and 3 and between oleaster 4 and EVOO; however, the phenolic composition of oleaster 2 that the poorer was markedly different with a higher content of free phenolic alcohols and lower in secoiridoids. Almost all bacteria showed to be sensitive against the antibiotics, with the value of ZOI ranging from 5-32 mm; otherwise, most of the oleaster extracts exhibited higher antibacterial activity than the EVOO with ZOI values of 7-12mm. A significant correlation was noted between phenolic content and antibacterial activity. Conclusion: These results show that oleaster oil can be considered a high potential food.

Phenolic profiling and antioxidant evaluation of extracts from Southern African indigenous fruits byproducts

The call to build climate-resilient food systems in Africa has revived interest in indigenous fruits, which, however, remain under-researched. In this study, the phenolic content and antioxidant profiles of seed and pulp of ethanolic extracts from eight Southern African indigenous fruits were evaluated using UPLC-ESI-Q-TOF/MS and four antioxidant assays. Total phenols and hydroxycinnamic acids were highest in Dovyalis caffra (Kei apple) seed (5084.5 and 3403.83 mg/kg). Flavonoids were most abundant in Colpoon compressum (Colpoon) seed (1127.23 mg/kg), while hydrolysable tannins were highest in Syzygium guineense (Water pear) seed (666.13 mg/kg). Proanthocyanidins were abundant in Harpephyllum caffrum (Wild plum) pulp while anthocyanins were highest in Olea africana (Wild olive) pulp. Hierarchical clustering heatmap analysis showed similar concentration and diversity in the composition of reported compounds. Syzygium guineense seed had the lowest DPPH values. ORAC values were highest in O. africana pulp while H. caffrum pulp had the highest FRAP values and lipoxygenase inhibition capacity. In conclusion, the study revealed a diverse profile of phenolics in indigenous fruits extracts, to which their bioactivity is attributed. Specifically, H. caffrum pulp and S. guineense seed have potential as natural sources of phenolic antioxidants for food application.

Characteristics of Some Wild Olive Phenotypes (Oleaster) Selected from the Western Mountains of Syria

This study presents the evaluation of some technological and production specifications of 20 selected wild olive (oleaster) phenotypes from Hama Province, western–central Syria. The analyses of oil quantity showed that the olive oil (OO) extracted ranged from 10.43 to 29.3%. The fatty acid composition determined by gas chromatography (m/m%, methyl esters), conforming to commercial standards, showed the percentages of palmitic (ranged 13.2–15.06%), stearic (2.27–4.2%), arachidic (0.42–0.7%), palmitoleic (0.73–1.25%), oleic (64.29–73.17%), linoleic (8.96–16.45%), and linolenic (0.23–1.6%). Our results suggest that, despite being in a harsh environment and lacking agricultural service, two wild olive phenotypes (WA4, WA6) are interesting since their fruits showed high-quality properties (fruit weight 2.16, 3.24 g; flesh 75.83, 86.2, respectively), high content of OO% (29.27, 29.01, respectively), and better fatty acid composition (oleic % 68.45, 66.74, respectively). This enables them to be a very promising introductory feature in olive genetic improvement processes. Thus, both phenotypes were adopted tentatively as inputs, the first for oil purposes and the second for dual purposes (oil and table olives). It will be important to further evaluate these promising phenotypes in terms of their OO minor compounds, as well as their ability to resist biotic and abiotic stresses.

Elaboration and Study of the Properties of a Polyester Composite Made of Oleaster Fibers Treated and Untreated

ABSTRACT In this study, we have harvested natural oleaster (wild olive) fibers, processed and characterized in terms of physicochemical performance as well as mechanical properties. The main constituents of oleaster fibers with their weight proportions are cellulose (38.11%), lignin (19.4%), and ash (3.1%). The specific density of the oleaster fiber is measured to (1.40256 g cm−3). The average elastic modulus, tensile strength, and elongation at the break of composites made from polymer resin and oleaster fibers (untreated and treated with 20% acetic anhydride) have undergone an improvement in mechanical properties, respectively, an elastic modulus of 8.39 MPa for a deformation of 0.48334% against for the treated composite with the deformation of 3.95%for an elastic modulus of 55.53 MPa. Their Young moduli are 41.029 GPa for the untreated fiber composite and 93.19 GPa for the acetic anhydride treated fiber composite, respectively. We have also studied the effects of acetic anhydride treatment on the mechanical properties and structure of the fibers. When treated with 20% acetic anhydride for 2 h, the tensile strength of oleaster fibers had increased significantly. A longer treatment time did not show any appreciable improvement. However, the tensile strength remained higher than the tensile strength for untreated fibers.

Canker and leaf scorch on olive (Olea europaea L.) caused by Neoscytalidium dimidiatum in Turkey

In a recent survey of olive groves in the Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey, a new and serious decline of olive trees, beginning with foliar scorching and then dieback of twigs, branches, and even whole trees, was observed for the first time. In more advanced stages of the disease, necrosis and cankers were observed on the bark of the trunk, branches, and twigs. Isolations from symptomatic tissues from multiple cultivars in diverse locations yielded Neoscytalidium dimidiatum, which were identified using ITS, tef1, and tub2 loci of genomic DNA, in combination with morphological data. In vitro studies showed that conidial germination, hyphal growth, and pycnidia formation of the pathogen were positively correlated with elevated temperatures. Wild type olive “Delice”, “Edincik Su”, and “Memecik” seemed like the most resistant cultivars on which disease severity values were the lowest among 14 screened olive cultivars in two experimental orchards under natural conditions. Pathogenicity tests showed that “Gemlik” was the most susceptible cultivar showing the largest cankers and extensive scorch lesions. Isolates caused canker but not leaf scorch on O. europaea cultivars “Arbequina” “Halhalı”, “Manzanilla”, “Nizip Yağlık”, and “Saurani”. Neoscytalidium isolates are likely to have a negative impact on the health of diverse olive groves, which are primarily confined to Mediterranean-type climatic regions. These findings suggest an increased risk of infection in environments with increasing temperatures, as is common in the Southeast Anatolia Region of Turkey. The information gathered in this study will be used to examine the disease's epidemiology and establish disease control initiatives. This is also the first report of N. dimidiatum infecting O. europaea in the world.

Biodiesel production by valorizing waste non-edible wild olive oil using heterogeneous base catalyst: Process optimization and cost estimation

The current research investigates sustainable biodiesel production from non-edible wild olive oil via novel Na/SiO2/TiO2 heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst was synthesized by Sol-Gel and wet impregnation method. Furthermore, the designed catalyst was evaluated by various spectroscopic techniques like SEM, EDX, XPS, FTIR, BET and XRD. The impact of various influencing parameters such as catalyst loading, reaction temperature, oil/methanol molar ratio and reaction time were scrutinized and the maximum 97% yield was achieved at the reaction conditions of 1:20 WOSO/MeOH molar ratio, 9 wt% catalyst loading at 70 °C and 120 min of reaction time. The synthesized biodiesel was confirmed from GC–MS analysis, whereas the various physiochemical properties of synthesized biodiesel were explored by ASTMD 5761 and EN 1404 methods. The plausible reaction mechanism of Na/SiO2/TiO2 catalyzed WOSO was also proposed. Finally, the cost estimation of the designed catalyst investigates its commercial viability for low cost biodiesel production using non-edible WOSO feedstock.

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using mixed leaves aqueous extract of wild olive and pistachio: characterization, antioxidant, antimicrobial and effect on virulence factors of Candida.

In this study, a successfully rapid, simple approach was applied for biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles AgNPs using for the first time the mixed leaves extract of Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris and Pistacia lentiscus from natural association aimed to enhance their antimicrobial potential. The plant extract acts both as reducing and capping agents. When the aqueous extract was added to AgNO3 solution, the color was changed from pale to yellow to brown indicating the reduction of Ag ions and synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) without any solvent or hazardous reagents. The green synthesized AgNPs were characterized by UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FTIR spectrum and the X-ray crystallography. The AgNPs showed superior antioxidant activity measured by DPPH, Ferric Antioxidant Reducing Power (FRAP) as well as the total antioxidant activity methods. Moreover, the analysis of phytochemical constituents including flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and total polyphenols contents mentioned the most richness of the silver nanoparticles compared to plant extract. The new synthesized AgNPs demonstrated the bactericidal and fungicidal effects against all the tested bacterial and fungal strains and found to limit the spore germination of filamentous fungi. AgNPs also gave an anti-biofilm activity and synergistic effect with the conventional antibiotic's drugs. Here we firstly describe the silver nanoparticles effect on virulence factors of Candida species by reduction of enzymes like proteinase and phospholipase, inhibition of morphogenesis of Candida albicans cells. This natural product, acquiring these properties, should be promoted to be used in pharmaceutical and medical industries in future.

Current Status of Biodiversity Assessment and Conservation of Wild Olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. sylvestris).

Oleaster (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) is the ancestor of cultivated olive (Olea europaea L. subsp. europaea var. europaea) and it is spread through the whole Mediterranean Basin, showing an overlapping distribution with cultivated olive trees. Climate change and new emerging diseases are expected to severely affect the cultivations of olive in the future. Oleaster presents a higher genetic variability compared to the cultivated olive and some wild trees were found adapted to particularly harsh conditions; therefore, the role of oleaster in the future of olive cultivation may be crucial. Despite the great potential, only recently the need to deeply characterize and adequately preserve the wild olive resources drew the attention of researchers. In this review, we summarized the most important morphological and genetic studies performed on oleaster trees collected in different countries of the Mediterranean Basin. Moreover, we reviewed the strategies introduced so far to preserve and manage the oleaster germplasm collections, giving a future perspective on their role in facing the future agricultural challenges posed by climatic changes and new emerging diseases.

Studies on archaeological olive fruitstones from the Archaic and Punic periods (7th–3rd century bc) of Sardinia, Italy

Recent archaeological investigations in the lagunas di Santa Giusta and Mistras, waterlogged sites in central-west Sardinia, Italy, have enabled the recovery of archaeobotanical remains, exceptional in terms of quantity and preservation, dated to the Archaic and Punic periods in the 7th–3rd century bc. Among the finds was a significant amount of Olea europaea fruitstones (endocarps), which are discussed here. The morphometric features of these fruitstones, extrapolated by image analysis, were analysed statistically and compared to modern wild olive populations and cultivars. Thanks to the image analysis, it was possible to recognize the presence of O. europaea var. sylvestris (wild olive) and O. europaea var. europaea (cultivated olive) from the Archaic and Punic periods and to make suggestions about their use. Moreover, most of the cultivated type fruitstones identified by the statistical analysis can be attributed to a group of modern Sardinian cultivars, providing new data on the origin of cultivation and use of olives in Sardinia.

Daily consumption of wild olive (acebuche) oil reduces blood pressure and ameliorates endothelial dysfunction and vascular remodelling in rats with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester-induced hypertension.

Despite numerous reports on the beneficial effects of olive oil in the cardiovascular context, very little is known about the olive tree's wild counterpart (Olea europaea, L. var. sylvestris), commonly known as acebuche (ACE) in Spain. The aim of this study was to analyse the possible beneficial effects of an extra virgin ACE oil on vascular function in a rodent model of arterial hypertension (AH) induced by NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME). Four experimental groups of male Wistar rats were studied: (1) normotensive rats (Control group); (2) normotensive rats fed a commercial diet supplemented with 15 % (w/w) ACE oil (Acebuche group); (3) rats made hypertensive following administration of L-NAME(L-NAME group); and (4) rats treated with L-NAME and simultaneously supplemented with 15 % ACE oil (LN + ACE group). All treatments were maintained for 12 weeks. Besides a significant blood pressure (BP)-lowering effect, the ACE oil-enriched diet counteracted the alterations found in aortas from hypertensive rats in terms of morphology and responsiveness to vasoactive mediators. In addition, a decrease in hypertension-related fibrotic and oxidative stress processes was observed in L-NAME-treated rats subjected to ACE oil supplement. Therefore, using a model of AH via nitric oxide depletion, here we demonstrate the beneficial effects of a wild olive oil based upon its vasodilator, antihypertensive, antioxidant, antihypertrophic and antifibrotic properties. We postulate that regular inclusion of ACE oil in the diet can alleviate the vascular remodelling and endothelial dysfunction processes typically found in AH, thus resulting in a significant reduction of BP.

First report of Phaeoacremonium oleae and P. viticola associated with olive trunk diseases in Italy.

Over 300 trunk, branch and stem samples with vascular discolouration, necrotic wood and shoot death were collected from olive (Olea europaea) orchards in Lecce, Brindisi, Bari and Foggia provinces (Apulia region, Italy) from October to May from 2013 to 2019. Small chips of symptomatic wood samples were surface sterilised (5% NaOCl, 3 min; 70% ethanol, 30 s), rinsed (sterile distilled water, ×3), and placed onto potato dextrose agar (PDA) plates amended with 500 ppm streptomycin sulphate. After 14 days at 25 °C in the dark, hyphal tips of growing fungi, including different taxa, for instance Phaeoacremonium and Botryosphaeriaceae spp., were transferred to new PDA plates and incubated until sporulation. Monoclonal colonies resembling Phaeoacremonium-like genus (Mostert et al. 2006) were selected for further study, and genomic DNA of 59 representative isolates was extracted (Carlucci et al. 2013). Partial actin and β-tubulin genes were amplified with primers ACT-513F/ACT-783R (Carbone & Kohn 1999), and T1(O'Donnell & Cigelnik 1997) and Bt2b (Glass & Donaldson 1995), respectively. The sequenced amplicons were compared by BLAST algorithms with reference strains of Phaeoacremonium spp. retrieved from GenBank. Forty-four isolates showed 99% to 100% similarity with reference strains P. italicum, P. minimum, P. parasiticum, P. scolyti and P. sicilianum (Carlucci et al. 2015), nine with P. oleae, and six with P. viticola. Actin and β-tubulin sequences of P. oleae (Pm14) and P. viticola (Pm34) were submitted to GenBank (MW714561, MW714563; MZ318697, MZ318696). Microscopy of P. oleae isolates showed: conidiophores branched and unbranched, (18.7-)21.9-57.1(-67.8) × (2.9-)3.3-4.7(-5.2) (mean, 38.9×4.1) μm (n=30); conidia oblong-ellipsoidal to obovoid or subcylindrical 3.4 to 5.5 μm long, and 1.5 to 2.4 (mean, 4.6 × 2.2) μm wide (n=30). Microscopy of P. viticola isolates showed: conidiophores subcylindrical, branched at base (6.7-)8.9-27.2(-29.3) × (2.0-)2.6-3.3(-3.7) (mean, 21.4 × 3.2) μm (n=30); conidia oblong-ellipsoidal to obovoid or subcylindrical 3.3 to 6.8 μm long, and 1.1 to 2.2 (mean, 4.2 × 1.6) μm wide (n=30). In spring 2020, artificial inoculations were carried out with P. oleae (Pm14, Pm46) and P. viticola (Pm34, Pm43) strains on 10 healthy, 2-year-old olive seedlings cultivar 'Coratina'. Agar plugs (diameter, 0.3-0.5 cm) from 10-day-old cultures grown on water agar at 23 (±2) °C were inserted under the bark of small wounds in the stems (length, 0.4-1.0 cm) made with a sterile scalpel. After inoculation, the wounds were wrapped with wet sterile cotton wool and sealed with Parafilm. Ten control olive seedlings were inoculated with sterile agar plugs. The experiment was replicated three times. All inoculated young olive plants were grown in pots in a greenhouse without temperature control. After 120 days, inoculated plants showed decline symptoms, and when cut longitudinally, brown streaks were observed in the wood. For P. oleae these streaks measured 3.0-5.5 cm long (standard deviation [SD], 0.9 cm, and for P. viticola they were 1.8-3.5 cm (SD, 0.62). Both fungal species were re-isolated from the symptomatic wood from 85% and 80%, respectively, of these inoculated olive seedlings, fulfilling Koch's postulates. No symptoms were observed from olive seedlings used as control. P. oleae was first described as a fungal pathogen of wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. cuspidate) in South Africa by Spies et al. (2018), and P. viticola as a fungal pathogen of grapevine in France by Dupont et al. (2000). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of P. oleae associated with olive trunk disease in Italy, and the first report of P. viticola associated with olive trunk disease worldwide.

Mapping of Wild Olive Trees: the Range, Distribution and Basic Attributes of Wild Olive Trees in AI Baha, Saudi Arabia, Using Remote Sensing Technology

Mapping of Wild Olive Trees: the Range, Distribution and Basic Attributes of Wild Olive Trees in AI Baha, Saudi Arabia, Using Remote Sensing Technology

Biodiesel production from wild olive oil using TPA decorated Cr–Al acid heterogeneous catalyst

In the present work, wild olive (Olea oleaster) plant oil was chosen as a hopeful feedstock for efficient biodiesel production. Mixed oxides of aluminium and chromium were modified with different amounts (10−40 wt.%) of 12-tungstophosphonic acid (TPA), used for biodiesel production from low cost local wild olive oil (WOO). Moreover, the physicochemical characteristics of the synthesized catalysts were elaborated with different analytical techniques such as XRD, SEM, EDX, BET. The biodiesel reaction was carried out in a single step via trans-esterification reaction using TPA impregnated Cr–Al mixed oxide catalyst. The maximum 93% biodiesel yield was obtained under the optimized conditions: oil/methanol molar ratio 1:21, reaction temperature 80 °C, catalyst dosage 4 wt% and reaction times 5 hrs with stirring speed of 600 rpm. Interestingly, the reusability experiments showed that the synthesized catalyst sustained remarkable stability and reusability up to 5 runs in the biodiesel production from wild olive oil. Furthermore, the synthesized biodiesel completely complied with international standards.

A high-quality reference genome for Fraxinus pennsylvanica for ash species restoration and research.

Green ash (Fraxinus pennsylvanica) is the most widely distributed ash tree in North America. Once common, it has experienced high mortality from the non‐native invasive emerald ash borer (EAB; Agrilus planipennis). A small percentage of native green ash trees that remain healthy in long‐infested areas, termed “lingering ash,” display partial resistance to the insect, indicating that breeding and propagating populations with higher resistance to EAB may be possible. To assist in ash breeding, ecology and evolution studies, we report the first chromosome‐level assembly from the genus Fraxinus for F. pennsylvanica with over 99% of bases anchored to 23 haploid chromosomes, spanning 757 Mb in total, composed of 49.43% repetitive DNA, and containing 35,470 high‐confidence gene models assigned to 22,976 Asterid orthogroups. We also present results of range‐wide genetic variation studies, the identification of candidate genes for important traits including potential EAB‐resistance genes, and an investigation of comparative genome organization among Asterids based on this reference genome platform. Residual duplicated regions within the genome probably resulting from a recent whole genome duplication event in Oleaceae were visualized in relation to wild olive (Olea europaea var. sylvestris). We used our F. pennsylvanica chromosome assembly to construct reference‐guided assemblies of 27 previously sequenced Fraxinus taxa, including F. excelsior. Thus, we present a significant step forward in genomic resources for research and protection of Fraxinus species.

Changes in secoiridoids content and chemical characteristics of cultivated and wild Algerian olive oil, in term of fruit maturation.

Wild varieties in nature are known to be better adapted to climate change and more resistant to arid conditions common in some regions of the world. Oil samples of two cultivated varieties, Chemlal and Lemli, and one sylvestris variety were collected at four different harvesting periods in the semi-arid region of Bouira, Algeria. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the genetic and maturity factors on the quality indices (acidity, peroxides value, and the parameters K232, K270), fatty acids profile, phenolic composition, and antioxidant activity of monovarietal olive oils. The study showed that early harvest dates of the fruits produced oils richer in pigments and phenolic compounds, with high antioxidant activity registered in both wild and cultivated varieties. Moreover, all oil samples showed high values of secoiridoids exceeding 60–90% of total biophenols, with higher values found in oleaster oils, which are correlated with high resistance to oxidation attacks. UHPLC-DAD and UHPLC-HRMS analyses showed that the secoiridoids composition is dominated by a profile rich in several isomers of oleuropein and ligstroside aglycons, which in turn represent more than 60% of the total secoiridoids in olive and Oleaster oils. Furthermore, chemometric analysis on the data allowed a better appreciation of the sensitivity of the virgin olive oil composition to the changes in genetic and ripening factors. According to the principal component analysis, phenolic and fatty acid profiles were the most important components contributing to the discrimination between olive oil samples.

Assessment of metals content of widely used traditional toothbrushes in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT. Traditional toothbrushes are used by the vast majority of people who cannot afford to buy the commercial toothbrush and toothpaste. The traditional toothbrushes are generally obtained from any slim woody part of a toothbrush tree. The main purpose of this study was to determine selected metals (Ca, Fe, Mg, Al, Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Mn, Pb, and Cd) in traditional toothbrushes obtained from three plants including Ligustrum vulgare L., Phoenix reclinata and Olea africana, which are extensively used in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, by using microwave plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (MP-AES) after wet digestion. Recoveries of the metals in spiked samples varied from 90.4–107%. The overall mean concentrations determined (mg/kg, dry weight) were in the ranges of Ca (4267–36514) > Fe (131–318) > Al (81.6 –224) > Mg (45.6–122) > Zn (27.2–175) > Mn (20.1–29) > Cu (6.6–20.3) > Cr (6.7–8.9) > Ni (2.6–7.9). Analysis of variance at 95% indicated significant differences in the metals’ contents of three toothbrushes. The results indicated that the selected traditional toothbrushes are good sources of essential metals and free from Pb and Cd. Therefore, the investigated Ethiopian traditional toothbrushes are found to be safe for human use.
 
 KEY WORDS: Metal contents, Traditional toothbrushes, Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare), Wild date palm (Phoenix reclinata), African wild olive (Olea africana), Ethiopia
 
 Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2021, 35(2), 257-272.
 DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v35i2.4

Physiological and Biochemical Response of Wild Olive (Olea europaea Subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) to Salinity.

In the face of climate change, water deficit and increasing soil salinity pose an even greater challenge to olive cultivation in the Mediterranean basin. Due to its tolerance to abiotic stresses, wild olive (Olea europaea subsp. europaea var. sylvestris) presents a good candidate in breeding climate-resilient olive varieties. In this study, the early response of the native Croatian wild olive genotype (WOG) to salinity was evaluated and compared with that of well-known cultivars (cv.) Leccino and Koroneiki. Potted olive plants were exposed either to 150 mM NaCl or 300 mM mannitol for 3 weeks to distinguish between the osmotic and ionic components of salt stress. To determine the impact of the plant age on salinity, 1-, 2-, and 3-year-old WOG plants were used in the study. The growth parameters of both the cultivars and WOG of different ages decreased in response to the mannitol treatment. In contrast to cv. Leccino, the NaCl treatment did not significantly affect the growth of cv. Koroneiki or WOG of any age. The contents of Na+ and Cl− were considerably higher in the salt-treated WOG, regardless of age, compared with the cultivars. However, while both treatments significantly reduced the K+ content of cv. Koroneiki, that nutrient was not significantly affected in either cv. Leccino or WOG. Unlike the cultivars and older WOG, the NaCl treatment caused a significant decline of photosynthetic pigments in the 1-year-old WOG. The cultivars and WOG of different ages experienced a similar drop in the chlorophyll a content under the isotonic mannitol treatment. The absence of lipid peroxidation, modulation of superoxide dismutase, and guaiacol peroxidase activity were noted in all WOG ages under both stressors. These data suggest that WOG resilience to salinity is associated with its large leaf capacity for Na+ and Cl− accumulation, K+ retention, and its adaptable antioxidative mechanisms. The results are promising with regard to obtaining a new olive cultivar with better resilience to soil salinity.

Anti-Inflammatory Action of Dietary Wild Olive (Acebuche) Oil in the Retina of Hypertensive Mice.

Inflammation plays a crucial role in the course of eye diseases, including many vascular retinopathies. Although olive oil is known to have beneficial effects against inflammatory processes, there is no information available on the anti-inflammatory potential of the wild olive tree (namely, acebuche (ACE) for the primitive Spanish lineages). Here we investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of ACE oil in the retina of a mouse model of arterial hypertension, which was experimentally induced by administration of L-NAME (NG-nitro-L-arginine-methyl-ester). The animals were fed supplements of ACE oil or extra virgin olive oil (EVOO, for comparative purposes). Retinal function was assessed by electroretinography (ERG), and different inflammation-related parameters were measured in the retina and choroid. Besides significant prevention of retinal dysfunction shown in ERG recordings, ACE oil-enriched diet upregulated the expression of the anti-inflammatory markers PPARγ, PPARα and IL-10, while reducing that of major proinflammatory biomarkers, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2. This is the first report to highlight the anti-inflammatory properties of an ACE oil-enriched diet against hypertension-related retinal damage. Noteworthy, dietary supplementation with ACE oil yielded better results compared to a reference EVOO.

Microsatellite Markers in Olives (Olea europaea L.): Utility in the Cataloging of Germplasm, Food Authenticity and Traceability Studies.

The olive fruit, a symbol of Mediterranean diets, is a rich source of antioxidants and oleic acid (55–83%). Olive genetic resources, including cultivated olives (cultivars), wild olives as well as related subspecies, are distributed widely across the Mediterranean region and other countries. Certain cultivars have a high commercial demand and economical value due to the differentiating organoleptic characteristics. This might result in economically motivated fraudulent practices and adulteration. Hence, tools to ensure the authenticity of constituent olive cultivars are crucial, and this can be achieved accurately through DNA-based methods. The present review outlines the applications of microsatellite markers, one of the most extensively used types of molecular markers in olive species, particularly referring to the use of these DNA-based markers in cataloging the vast olive germplasm, leading to identification and authentication of the cultivars. Emphasis has been given on the need to adopt a uniform platform where global molecular information pertaining to the details of available markers, cultivar-specific genotyping profiles (their synonyms or homonyms) and the comparative profiles of oil and reference leaf samples is accessible to researchers. The challenges of working with microsatellite markers and efforts underway, mainly advancements in genotyping methods which can be effectively incorporated in olive oil varietal testing, are also provided. Such efforts will pave the way for the development of more robust microsatellite marker-based olive agri-food authentication platforms.

Improvement of Refined Soybean Oil by Enrichment with Phenolic Extracts from Wild and Cultivated Olive Leaves

Background:: Several researches have focused on the antioxidant capacity of natural components extracted from plants. Their properties are determined by the presence of phenolic compounds that extend the shelf life of food and protect fats from autoxidation. Olive leaves, an abundant raw material, are a significant source of bioactive phenolic compounds, which can be used to enrich a widely used edible oil. Objective:: The goal of this study was to improve the properties and stability of soybean oil by adding phenolic compounds extracted from the leaves of wild and cultivated olive trees. Methods:: Leaf polyphenolic extracts obtained from Chemlal cultivar and wild olive were used to enrich refined soybean oil. The antioxidant activity was evaluated for the chain-breaking antioxidant effect using DPPH and FRAP assay. The oxidative stability was estimated using a rancimat apparatus. The effect of the frying conditions was studied by determining the rate of the polar fraction. Results:: Total phenol contents from cultivated and wild olive leaves were important: 1047.19mg EAG /100g and 1424.59mg EAG/100g, respectively. Oil extracts enriched with Chemlal and wild olive leaves extracts at 25ppm presented 93.29% and 93.20% inhibition percent of DPPH radical, respectively. An improvement of 75 and 73% was observed for oils enriched with Chemlal and wild olive leaves respectively, for the antiradical activity against DPPH radical. The stability of the enriched oils is proportional to the concentrations of phenolic extracts and higher than that shown for the non-enriched ones. The frying test showed that the enrichment is causing a complete absence of polar compounds in the fries. Conclusion:: The results of this study show the efficacy of adding polyphenols to olive leaves to increase the quality and oxidative stability of refined soybean oil.