1. Introduction
The medicinal uses of different parts of Olea europaea L.
have been known for a long time in all the countries of the
Mediterranean basin. Olive oil was recognized as an important
component of a healthy diet. Several epidemiological
studies have shown that the incidence of coronary heart
disease and certain cancers is low in theMediterranean basin
where the diet is rich in olive products [1, 2]. Historically,
olive leaves have been used as a folk remedy for combating
fevers and other diseases such as malaria. Previous studies
showed that some extracts of this product decreased blood
pressure in animals and increased blood flow in coronary
arteries [3], relieved arrhythmia, and prevented intestinal
muscle spasms [4].