A new randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study investigated the effect of Mediteanox® supplementation in stroke patients.[1] Euromed’s olive fruit extract is standardised in hydroxytyrosol, a powerful natural antioxidant. The independent research conducted by the University of Jaén (Spain) found that daily administration of hydroxytyrosol after a stroke could improve certain biochemical and oxidative-stress-related parameters, blood pressure and serum proteome, as well as neurological and functional outcomes. These findings highlight the potential of hydroxytyrosol as a neuroprotective agent.
In the study, 15mg hydroxytyrosol was administered daily – starting 24 hours after stroke – for 45 days. Biochemical and oxidative stress-related parameters, blood pressure, serum proteome, neurological and functional outcomes were evaluated at 45 and 90 days, and compared to a control group. Hydroxytyrosol supplementation was able to support a reduction in the percentage of glycated hemoglobin and diastolic blood pressure, control the increase in nitric oxide, promote a protective effect against oxidative stress, modulate the evolution of the serum proteome and, in particular, the expression of apolipoproteins.
Specifically, hydroxytyrosol reduced the levels of apolipoproteins associated with cardiovascular risk, suggesting a protective vascular effect. There were significant changes in the expression of proteins involved in inflammation and lipid metabolism, which may be related to the neuroprotective and vascular protective effects of hydroxytyrosol. The modulation of the serum proteome, and its influence on nitric oxide, is consistent with known properties of hydroxytyrosol that contribute to vascular health and neuroprotection.
In addition, the Mediteanox® group showed specific improvements in muscle strength of non-paretic limbs and better neurological outcomes as suggested by the trend in proteomic changes. Although a larger trial is necessary, this pilot study suggests that Mediteanox® could be beneficial in the therapy of stroke patients.
Andrea Zangara, Head of Scientific Communication and Medical Affairs, says: “Due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, Mediteanox® already plays an important role in promoting healthy cardiovascular functions. However, this new pilot and independently conducted study shows that our olive fruit extract may also be a promising nootropic for a wide range of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products.”
Mediteanox® is processed using a patented water-only extraction method, which preserves and concentrates the fruit’s natural ingredients without any risk of residual volatile solvents.
[1] Naranjo Á, Álvarez-Soria MJ, Aranda-Villalobos P, Martínez-Rodríguez AM, Martínez-Lara E, Siles E. Hydroxytyrosol, a Promising Supplement in the Management of Human Stroke: An Exploratory Study. Int J Mol Sci. 2024 Apr 27;25(9):4799. doi: 10.3390/ijms25094799.