Extra Virgin Olive Oil-Based Formulations: A "Green" Strategy against Chlamydia trachomatis

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Pharmacology
• Natural Products Chemistry

Background:

• Antibiotic misuse drives multi-drug resistance in bacteria.
• Antimicrobial resistance is a growing concern for *Chlamydia trachomatis*, a prevalent sexually transmitted bacterium.
• Novel therapeutic strategies are needed to combat resistant *C. trachomatis* infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the antibacterial activity of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) polyphenols against *Chlamydia trachomatis*.
• To investigate the effects of EVOO polyphenols on different stages of the chlamydial developmental cycle.
• To explore the potential of EVOO polyphenols as an alternative treatment for *C. trachomatis* infections.

Main Methods:

• An *in vitro* infection model was used to test the anti-chlamydial activity of olive oil polyphenols (OOPs).
• Transmission and scanning electron microscopy were employed to assess effects on chlamydial elementary bodies (EBs) and host cell interactions.
• The study utilized natural deep eutectic solvent (NaDES) for polyphenol extraction and testing.

Main Results:

• Olive oil polyphenols demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against *C. trachomatis* EBs, reducing inclusion-forming units by 93.53% at 1.7 μg/mL.
• Electron microscopy revealed that OOPs may damage the outer layers of EBs, compromising their structural integrity.
• These alterations suggest impaired EB adhesion, invasion, and infectivity.

Conclusions:

• Olive oil polyphenols exhibit potent anti-chlamydial effects, offering a promising natural alternative for treating *C. trachomatis* infections.
• The findings suggest OOPs could be a viable therapeutic option against antibiotic-resistant strains.
• Further research is warranted to explore the clinical applicability of OOPs.