Olive Leaves and Hibiscus Flower Potentially Neuroprotective

There are numerous types of neurodegenerative diseases, which despite their diversity, often share the same causes.

Neurodegeneration is thought to occur because of neuronal loss in specific brain areas caused by oxidative stress.

The increased formation of free radicals often found in the brains of patients affected by neurodegenerative diseases makes the progression of the disease worse.

The lack of reliable treatments and the increasing prevalence of these diseases urge towards searching for a solution.

One logical solution is to find a way to lower and neutralize the free radicals causing the damage, and in this way, delay or prevent neurodegeneration.

A recent study published in the journal Antioxidants has examined the effectiveness of a novel product - a mix of the extracts of olive leaves and hibiscus flower.

About the Product

Pres Phytum® is a pharmacological formulation that consists of a combination of the extracts of olive (Olea europea L.) leaves and hibiscus (Hybiscus sabdariffa L.) flower.

This formulation is sold as a food supplement and it has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, largely due to the number of phenolic compounds found in these plants.

The Details

The study was done on human cells (neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells) and animal brain cells.

Here’s what the scientists conducting the study discovered:

The formation of free radicals was decreased;

The functioning of the cells responsible for generating most of the chemical energy needed for the cell's biochemical reactions (mitochondria);

Changed activity of the enzymes responsible for cell death caused by oxidative stress;

The product could easily cross the blood-brain barrier and deliver its components to be absorbed well.

Bottom Line

Finding effective treatments for neurodegenerative diseases is a challenge, but the search is going strong, nevertheless.

Preventative measures can not only decrease the risk, but they can delay the onset and even lessen the symptoms.

The results of this study have demonstrated that this product could be potentially used as a nutraceutical for the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases.

Resource: Chiaino, E.; Micucci, M.; Cosconati, S.; Novellino, E.; Budriesi, R.; Chiarini, A.; Frosini, M. Olive Leaves and Hibiscus Flowers Extracts-Based Preparation Protect Brain from Oxidative Stress-Induced Injury. Antioxidants 2020, 9, 806. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox9090806