Unlocking the potential of olive residues for functional purposes: update on human intervention trials with health and cosmetic products

Abstract

Olive mill waste (OMW) is a promising source of valuable compounds such as polyphenols, terpenes, sterols, and other bioactivecompounds, which are of interest to the pharmaceuticals and cosmeceutical industries. This review examines the potential ofOMW extracts for health and beauty applications based on evidence reports from human clinical trials. The results achievedto date indicate health-enhancing properties, but little is known about the underlying mechanisms of action, dose–responserelationships, and long-term impacts. Therefore, while olive by-products, extracted using eco-friendly methods, present oppor-tunities for the development of high-value health and cosmetic products, further studies are necessary to determine the fullrange of their effects and establish specific therapeutic strategies.