Olea europaea
Olive tree
Olea europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is a cornerstone of Mediterranean biodiversity. Renowned for its nutrient-dense fruit and antioxidant-rich oil, this resilient evergreen offers profound therapeutic benefits. Its leaves and oil are traditionally utilized for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and cardiovascular-supporting properties in holistic medicine.
- Scientific name: Olea europaea
- Family: Oleaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Lamiales. Finally, it resides in the family Oleaceae under the genus Olea.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Lamiales | WCVP |
| Family | Oleaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Olea | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Olea europaea, is recognized by various common names across different linguistic and cultural traditions. In Chinese, it is referred to as 油橄榄 (zh), while in Javanese, it is called Zaitun (jv). In the Basque language, it is known as Olibondo (eu), and in Polish, it is identified as oliwka europejska (pl). Furthermore, in the Tibetan language, the plant is called Uliw (qu).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh | 油橄榄 | Wikidata |
| jv | Zaitun | Wikidata |
| eu | Olibondo | Wikidata |
| pl | oliwka europejska | Wikidata |
| qu | Uliw | Wikidata |
| bs | Maslina | Wikidata |
| uz | Zaytun | Wikidata |
| ta | சைத்தூன் | Wikidata |
| hu | olajfa | Wikidata |
| ms | Zaitun | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant, Olea europaea, exhibits a notable presence across several key regions of Southwestern Europe. It can be found growing within the Balearic Islands, specifically known as Baleares. Furthermore, its distribution extends to the Mediterranean islands of Corsica and Sardegna. The species is also widely established throughout the mainland territory of France. Finally, its geographical range continues southward into the coastal regions of Portugal.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Albania | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Greece | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Italy | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Kriti | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, known scientifically as Olea europaea, is a versatile species where various components are utilized for their therapeutic properties. The most commonly studied parts are the leaves, which are rich in bioactive compounds like oleuropein. Whether one uses a single leaf for observation or harvests many Leaves for processing, they serve as the primary source for many health benefits. Additionally, the woody stem provides structural support for the tree and can sometimes be used in traditional applications. Ultimately, most medicinal applications are derived from concentrated plant extracts made from these parts, which are often used to support cardiovascular health and antioxidant activity.- Total parts
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 23
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| leaves | 10 | ★★★★★ |
| leaf | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Leaves | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| stem | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| plant extracts | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| olive leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| olive leaf | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves and fruits | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Stem bark | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Olea europaea has 97 reported phytochemicals identified across 171 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, polyphenols, flavonoids, maslinic acid.
- Total chemicals
- 97
- Scientific sources
- 171
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oleuropein | 18 | ★★★★★ |
| hydroxytyrosol | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| polyphenols | 6 | ★★★☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| maslinic acid | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| oleanolic acid | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| Hydroxytyrosol | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oleocanthal | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Oleuropein | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Tyrosol | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
Activities
Olea europaea has 27 reported activities identified across 58 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Anticancer, Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Antimicrobial.
- Total activities
- 27
- Scientific sources
- 58
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antioxidant | 14 | ★★★★★ |
| Anticancer | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antibacterial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Cytotoxic | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihyperglycemic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antihypertensive | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiinflammatory | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Olea europaea has 104 reported medicinal uses identified across 146 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, inflammation, COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, diabetes mellitus.
- Total uses
- 104
- Scientific sources
- 146
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 8 | ★★★★☆ |
| inflammation | 5 | ★★★☆☆ |
| COVID-19 | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| SARS-CoV-2 | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| diabetes mellitus | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative damage | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| oxidative stress | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Candida albicans | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| breast cancer | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| wound healing | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |