Page 58 - EJMO-9-1

Eurasian Journal of Medicine and
Oncology
Integrative prophetic medicine

offer a natural energy boost and have numerous medicinal role in cancer prevention. The antioxidants in olive oil,
uses. Dates are typically eaten fresh or dried after harvest, particularly phenolic compounds, can neutralize harmful
requiring minimal processing. The fleshy part surrounding molecules associated with cancer development. Studies
the seed is sweet, while the seeds are often used in fertilizers have shown that specific components in olive oil, such
and animal feed. 63,64 as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, may protect against

Dates are a great source of energy, containing 70 – heart disease and certain types of cancer. 75,76 These
80% natural sugars that are easily absorbed. This quick components also exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, and anti-
77,78
and sustained energy boost comes from high-quality inflammatory properties. There is substantial evidence
carbohydrates, which are easily digested and have a supporting these benefits, and recent research suggests that
low glycemic index. In addition, dates are rich in fiber, olive oil compounds may help regulate appetite, reduce
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which supports digestive health. They are also loaded cardiovascular problems, and slow cell growth, which
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with beneficial nutrients, such as polyphenols and fibers could be advantageous in cancer prevention. 79
that can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases by Olive leaf extract is gaining interest for its potential to
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lowering cholesterol levels and reducing blood pressure. fight various infections. It has been used to treat bacterial
Dates are packed with antioxidants, including sterols, infections, such as bronchitis and tonsillitis, fungal
anthocyanins, flavonoids, carotene, and procyanidins, infections, particularly vaginal yeast infections, and viral
which may help prevent cancer and inflammation while infections, such as cold sores, the common cold, coughs,
boosting the immune system. Studies have shown that and flu. 80,81 Interestingly, some studies suggest that olive leaf
dates are safe to consume and can serve as a valuable extract may benefit postmenopausal women by addressing
nutritional supplement. 68,69 age-related issues and protecting against oxidative stress,
Research has indicated that a specific compound which could support bone health. 82
in dates, ethyl acetate, could suppress prostate cancer 4.1.5. Fig
cells (PC3) at low doses. This finding suggests that these
compounds may induce apoptosis in cancer cells by Figs are among the earliest cultivated fruits and possess a
reducing cellular stress and damaging energy production unique structure. These sweet fruits are hollow with tiny
processes within the cells. Dates may also help manage flowers inside and have been used for centuries to treat
diabetes. Studies have shown that certain compounds various health issues. Figs are packed with beneficial
in dates (such as polyphenols) can help regulate blood compounds, such as ceramides, cerebrosides, steroids,
sugar levels while protecting the liver and kidneys in pentacyclic triterpenes, flavonoids, and antioxidants
diabetic mice. These benefits appear to be linked to the (phenolic compounds), which likely contribute to their
ability of these compounds to slow down the breakdown potential health benefits. Conventionally, figs have been
of carbohydrates, preventing a blood sugar surge. 70,71 used for conditions such as diabetes, ulcers, coughs, and
Furthermore, another study suggested that dates might skin problems. 83
improve sleep and nervous system function. Researchers Clinical studies suggest that fig leaves may be effective
observed positive effects on sleep duration in a study using for managing diabetes and hemorrhoids as well as treating
pentobarbitone, a substance known to induce sleepiness. 72 herpes zoster. In one study involving diabetic patients who
4.1.4. Olive incorporated fig leaves into their diet, participants showed
improved blood sugar control after meals. Another study
Olive trees, native to the Mediterranean, Asian, and revealed that drinking fig leaf tea significantly lowered
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African coastlines, are known for their evergreen leaves. blood sugar levels in diabetic patients. Fig leaves also
Research suggests that extracts from these leaves may demonstrated remarkable efficacy in treating hemorrhoids,
help regulate blood pressure. Animal studies have shown with nearly 98% of patients in a clinical trial experiencing
promising results, with olive leaf extract lowering blood relief from their symptoms. In addition, another study
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pressure, increasing blood flow to the heart, slowing the indicated that fig leaves were even more effective than
heart rate, and improving gut function. Similar trends ribavirin, a medication commonly used to treat herpes
were observed in human studies involving individuals zoster. 85
with mildly elevated blood pressure. A specific dosage of
500 mg of olive leaf extract taken twice daily appeared to 4.1.6. Barley
be as effective as common blood pressure medications. 74 Barley, a staple food in the Arabian Peninsula, is rich in
The unique nutrients found in olive oil, such as fatty fiber, particularly a type known as β-glucan. This soluble
acids, Vitamin E, and polyphenols, may also play a fiber, along with other dietary fibers, such as pectin, has

Volume 9 Issue 1 (2025) 50 doi: 10.36922/ejmo.6765