Olea europaea subsp. africana (Oleaceae)

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants have been used as a key source for medication and they remain to provide new therapeutic remedies to date. Extracts of Olea europaea subsp. africana Oleaceae (leaf, bark and root) are used extensively in Africa to treat various diseases traditionally. Phytochemistry has identified phenols, terpenoids and coumar-ins in different parts of the plant. However, little pharmacological studies have been done on Olea europaea subsp. africana. The present review aims to compile available information on the ethnobotany, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Olea africana. Materials and methods: Information available pertaining Olea europaea subsp. africana was collected through electronic search using (Google Scholar, PubMed and Science Direct). Results: Olea africana has been used throughout Africa traditionally for various ailments. Phytochemical studies have led to the isolation of compounds, namely oleuropein, esculin, ursolic acid, scopolin and oleanolic acid. Studies have shown that the leaf extract contains antihypertensive, diuretic, anti-atherosclerotic, antioxidant, antidiarrhoeal and hypoglycaemic activities. Conclusion: Olea africana has been used expansively for treating ailments traditionally, but pharmacological studies are seldom published. Further research is required to extend existing therapeutic potential of the African olive.