ROLEPLACTI_GI2-CESPU-2025 - Possible Role of Olive Leaf Extracts in Platelet Activation and Their Potential in the Prevention and Management of Thrombotic Events.

Principal Investigator: 
Maria Begoña Criado Alonso
Leader Institution: 
1H-TOXRUN - CESPU
Research Team: 
Maria do Céu Rodrigues Monteiro, Luís Bernardo Pina Cabral
Funding entity: 
CESPU
Budget: 
3.500 €
Period covered: 
01.09.2025 – 31.08.2026
Abstract: 

There is an increasing interest in natural compounds with antithrombotic properties, particularly those that modulate platelet activity with fewer side effects. Olive leaf extracts (OLEs), rich in polyphenolic compounds, have been traditionally used in Mediterranean cultures for their cardioprotective, antihypertensive, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Their potential ability to modulate platelet activation via multiple pathways, coupled with a safety profile, suggests a possible role in thrombotic events prevention, particularly in populations at elevated cardiovascular risk. While clinical validation is essential, OLEs may ultimately serve as effective adjuncts or alternatives to synthetic antiplatelet agents in integrative cardiovascular care. The main aim of this study is to investigate the possible funcional relevance of OLEs from different portuguese cultivars (Verdeal, Cobraçosa and Madural) on platelet reactivity by the evaluation of functional parameters throuout flow cytometry.

Program: 
GI2-CESPU-2025