Botanicals such as olives contain phytochemicals with complex molecular structures that provide complementary bioactivity. Different extraction technologies concentrate the target molecules, while preserving the phytochemical profile as it exists in nature. The natural olive extract Mediteanox, for instance, is manufactured using a proprietary, eco-friendly, water-only extraction method – the Pure-Hydro Process – that avoids any risks of residual contaminants from chemical solvents.

 

Mediteanox delivers precise amounts of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) recommended, heart-friendly hydroxytyrosol – a powerful natural antioxidant and polyphenol. This health-promoting ingredient is considered the most relevant to the beneficial effects of the Mediterranean diet. Evidence confirms that this type of eating pattern, along with an appropriate lifestyle, helps maintain healthy cardiovascular functions. According to EFSA, consumption of olive oil polyphenols contributes to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative damage when the daily dose of hydroxytyrosol and its derivatives is at least 5mg in extra virgin olive oil.¹ Hydroxytyrosol has been shown to have a significant effect on markers of LDL peroxidation.² With its high hydroxytyrosol content of up to 40%, Mediteanox is clinically proven to reduce the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and support healthy blood lipids, which are both key factors for healthy ageing. Secret to Live, another product of Euromed’s portfolio, is an extra virgin olive oil with Mediteanox that can be used for salad dressings.

 

Another patented natural extract inspired by the Mediterranean diet and obtained through the Pure-Hydro Process technology is Pomanox – a full spectrum polyphenol pomegranate extract standardized for punicalagins, with clinically proven healthy ageing benefits. Its phenolic profile is comparable to that of the whole fruit, but without the fruit calories. Water extraction avoids any risks from potential neurotoxic alkaloids that may accidentally result from extraction with organic solvents. Several human studies confirm the efficacy of this natural extract in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels,^3–7 helping to support cardiovascular health.

 

Punicalagins, water-soluble polyphenols that are unique to pomegranates, are the source of these positive effects. They act as antioxidants that naturally stimulate the production of nitric oxide, a vasodilator that helps to sustain blood circulation. A pre-clinical study showed that pomegranate polyphenol metabolites increase the synthesis of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOs), promoting recovery of the endothelial vasodilation, and therefore shielding the endothelium from general inflammation and artery hardening.⁸

 

Endothelial dysfunction is one of the most important age-related changes in the cardiovascular system. With an aging global population, preventative approaches are of vital importance. Supplementation with Pomanox and Mediteanox appears to have a synergistic, beneficial effect on endothelial function: researchers recently found that intervention with the supplements for 8 weeks, compared to placebo, improved cardiovascular health markers related to endothelial function, blood pressure and circulating oxidized low-density lipoproteins, especially in those showing issues in these parameters.⁹

 

Originating from carefully controlled cultivars in Spain, both water-soluble extracts, Pomanox and Mediteanox, are perfect for inclusion in dietary supplements, functional foods, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

 

As the global market for herbal medicines and supplements has increased, so too have reports of undisclosed ingredients being added to botanical raw materials, extracts and finished products. This presents a significant challenge to the industry and also, more importantly, puts the health of consumers at risk. As a herbal ingredient supplier, transparency, sustainability, correct sourcing and supply chain control are key to Euromed, and have been ever since its foundation in 1971.

 

The company starts with botanicals that are verified, grown and harvested properly to preserve plant integrity and bioactive profiles. Each batch undergoes several laboratory tests to guarantee that the ingredients are unadulterated and do not contain contaminants. Euromed is also the main sponsor and organizer of a workshop on botanical adulteration, in collaboration with the American Botanical Council (ABC), to be held on 1st September in Innsbruck. Moreover, Euromed is engaging in strategies that emphasize its commitment to better business practices for the planet: the company is one of 17 inaugural underwriters of the Sustainable Herbs Program, which is aimed at increasing awareness of sustainable sourcing to benefit all parties involved in the supply chain, from growers to consumers.