Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Extra virgin olive oil (see also olive, olive tree) is an important component of the Mediterranean diet. Clinical effect: Improvement of lipoprotein metabolism Reduction of LDL cholesterol with simultaneous increase of HDL cholesterol with corresponding effect on the cardiovascular system, in particular reduction of high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes mellitus. Reduction of cardiovascular risk factors such as inflammation, oxidative stress, platelet aggregation.

Olive oil can vary in color from green-brownish (color of chlorophyll) to light yellow (color of carotenes).

Quality is defined in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.).

Commission E: zero monograph

Empirical medicine: high blood pressure, gout, arteriosclerosis and rheumatism, including liver and gall bladder disorders, as a laxative, externally for wounds, burns, eczema, prophylaxis of striae distensae

Pharmaceutically, olive oil is used as an extracting agent for the production of oleoresins, and in purified form for the production of injections.

1. Jiménez-Sánchez A et al. (2022) Therapeutic Properties and Use of Extra Virgin Olive Oil in Clinical Nutrition: A Narrative Review and Literature Update. Nutrients 31;14(7):1440. doi: 10.3390/nu14071440. PMID: 35406067; PMCID: PMC9003415.
2. Yubero-Serrano EM et al. (2019) Extra virgin olive oil: More than a healthy fat. Eur J Clin Nutr. 72(Suppl 1):8-17. doi: 10.1038/s41430-018-0304-x. PMID: 30487558.
3. Flynn MM et al. (2023) Is Extra Virgin Olive Oil the Critical Ingredient Driving the Health Benefits of a Mediterranean Diet? A Narrative Review. Nutrients. 27;15(13):2916. doi: 10.3390/nu15132916. PMID: 37447242; PMCID: PMC10346407.
4. Katsa ME et al. (2022) Olive Oil Phenolics and Platelets-From Molecular Mechanisms to Human Studies. Rev Cardiovasc Med. 19;23(8):255. doi: 10.31083/j.rcm2308255. PMID: 39076644; PMCID: PMC11266954.
5. https://www.heilpflanzen-welt.de/olivae-oleum-olivenoel/
6. https://www.heilpflanzen-welt.de/deutsche-kommission-e-monographien-liste/
7. https://arzneipflanzenlexikon.info/oelbaum.php