EXPLORING THE ANTI-ULCER POTENTIAL OF OLEUROPEIN GRANULES FROM WILD OLIVE LEAVES: A PHYTOPHARMACEUTICAL REVIEWEXPLORING THE ANTI-ULCER POTENTIAL OF OLEUROPEIN GRANULES FROM WILD OLIVE LEAVES: A PHYTOPHARMACEUTICAL REVIEW

Background: Gastric ulcers continue to pose a major global health challenge, with millions affected annually. Conventional therapies, such as proton pump inhibitors and antibiotics, though effective, are increasingly limited by adverse effects, drug resistance, and recurrence. Oleuropein, a polyphenolic compound from Olea europaea (olive leaves), has attracted attention for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions. Its granule formulation has been proposed to enhance bioavailability, stability, and patient compliance in ulcer prevention and management. Objective: This review aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy, mechanisms, and safety of oleuropein-based granule formulations in preventing and treating gastric ulcers, and to identify current knowledge gaps for future clinical application. Methods: A systematic search of Google Scholar identified 50 studies published between 1998 and 2025 using keywords “oleuropein,” “olive leaf,” “granules,” and “ulcer.” Of these, 30 met inclusion criteria focusing on experimental and preclinical models of ethanol-, NSAID-, or acetic acid–induced gastric ulcers. Studies reporting quantifiable data on ulcer index, inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β), and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, catalase) were analyzed. Results: Oleuropein granules significantly reduced ulcer area by 40–70%, decreased gastric acid output, and improved mucus production. Anti-inflammatory effects included a 45–60% reduction in TNF-α and IL-1β levels, while antioxidant enzyme activity (SOD, catalase) increased by 50–65%. Doses of 300–450 mg/kg produced optimal outcomes. In preclinical comparisons, efficacy was comparable to omeprazole (20 mg/kg). Granule and nanoparticle formulations improved oleuropein stability (up to 99.8% purity) and bioavailability without toxicity. Conclusion: Oleuropein granules demonstrate strong gastroprotective potential through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mucosal defense–enhancing mechanisms. Their favorable safety profile and natural origin support further exploration as an alternative to conventional ulcer therapies. However, large-scale human trials remain essential to validate efficacy and determine safe, standardized dosing.