Olive oil is the principal source of fats in the Mediterranean diet and it has been postulated that the components in olive oil can contribute to a lower incidence of coronary heart disease and cancers (prostate, colon, breast, and skin). The positive effects on human health can be attributed to the high level of phenolic compounds present in olive oil, the major ones being oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of oleuropein on enzymes involved in specific pathways of metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. In particular, the effects of oleuropein on enzymes, such as trypsin, pepsin, lipase, glycerol dehydrogenase, glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, and glycerokinase, were investigated.
Aloe, native to Africa, is also known as "lily of the desert", the "plant of immortality", and the "medicine plant". The name was derived from the Arabic alloeh meaning "bitter" because of the bitter liquid found in the leaves. In 1500 B.C. Egyptians recorded use of the herbal plant in treating bur....
