Integra

INTEGRA — Design and formulation of a new supplement/nutraceutical, based on the reuse of processing residues from the olive oil and wine supply chains, intended for the control of type 2 diabetes. Study and evaluation of alternative administration protocols for the same supplement/nutraceutical — was created with the aim of transforming agricultural by-products into high-value-added functional ingredients. The project is based on a strong environmental sustainability concept: recovering waste from oil and wine production to develop new products for the supplement and nutraceutical market. In particular, INTEGRA aims to verify the biological and health-promoting activity of metabolites extracted from olive leaves, with the goal of obtaining a new supplement and improving the absorption of the active compounds present in the extracts. The project activities involve a multidisciplinary approach that brings together agronomic, technological, chemical, clinical and specialist expertise in the field of liposomes. The agronomic study is aimed at identifying the best genetic, environmental and agrotechnical conditions for the collection and use of olive leaves, in order to maximise the presence of secondary metabolites with potential health-promoting and therapeutic activity. A further objective of the project is to understand whether and to what extent polyphenol-based preparations can reach systemic circulation, helping to counteract the onset of chronic diseases typical of contemporary society, including type 2 diabetes. The project focuses in particular on bioactive compounds such as resveratrol, found in grapes, and on molecules contained in extra virgin olive oil and its by-products, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. Through the recovery of plant by-products normally considered waste, INTEGRA contributes to enhancing agri-food supply chains, reducing disposal costs for companies and developing innovative solutions for health, prevention and metabolic well-being.