Oleuropein and oleic acid: A novel emerging dietary target for human chronic diseases

The human chronic metabolic disease is predominantly associated with the disturbance in the lipid, proteins and nucleic acid biological balance due to the attack of free radicals generated from oxidative stress. Currently, the available synthetic antioxidants are synthesized by food industries are very effective and inexpensive but as chronic use, it exhibits many toxicological health effects like synthetic drugs. Hence, plant origin antioxidants gained increasing attention all over the world. In this regards, Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) belongs to Oleaceae family and its by-products such as olive leaves and olive oil are highly focused by many researcher due to its potential therapeutic effects in a reversal of various chronic diseases without any side effects. Oleuropein and Oleic acid are the major components in the olive by products and attributes olive as a holly natural remedy and also olive oil considered as a potential food ingredient in the Mediterranean diet. The fat content in olive fruits is higher than olive leaves. Whereas, the protein ratio is higher in olive leaves and more abundance of Oleuropein, which contributes major health benefits as compared to olive oil. Oleic acid with high MUFA ratio contributes to the major health benefits of olive oil to several human chronic diseases.

Knowledge, practice and awareness of oral hygiene among three different age populations of same ethnic group: a community based study

Aim: The objective of this study is to compare the knowledge, practice and awareness of oral hygiene among three different age groups (15-30, 30-45 and 45-60-year-olds) of the Saudi population in Sakaka. Methods: 629 subjects aged between 15-60 years were randomly selected. Data were collected by self-administered structured questionnaires and analysis was done using the SPSS statistical software. The subjects were divided in to A group (e”30 years), B group (d”31 years - e”45 years) and C group (d”46 years). Results: 30.7% (A group) of subjects preferred commercial bush to clean their teeth (p<0.001), while 5.9% (B and C groups) choose Miswak for cleaning. Group B people preferred brushing only in the morning (24.5%), while 16.5% of group A respondents preferred brushing twice a day. 23.1% of group A subjects responded that brushing regularly was the ideal way to avoid caries (p<0.05). 51.8% of all age groups had no idea on the effects of fluoride on caries disease. The reason to visit dentist was mainly for extraction (30.5%) followed by pain relief (28.9%). 62.62% (p<0.05) subjects had carious lesions, whereas 56.6% subjects had fractured teeth. The use of tobacco (16.7%) was highly prevalent in group B subjects (p<0.05). Tea consumption among A group subjects (49.6%) more than other age groups (p<0.001). 81.2% subjected were free from gingival bleeding (p<0.05). Most of the people (48.6%) preferred frequent dental camps in response to their opinion to improve dental facilities in Sakaka, Al-Jouf. Conclusions: The present study shows that poorer knowledge and oral health conditions among 30-45-year-old subjects (B group) compared to the other two groups. Generally, these data may be important in the evaluation of the past and planning of future oral health prevention and treatment programs targeting the high-risk populations.