# Network pharmacology of olive stem extract, UPLC-HR-QTOF-MS profiling and antiviral activities aligned with UN sustainable development goals

## TL;DR

This study explores olive stem extract's antiviral properties and chemical makeup, showing promise for affordable medicines and sustainable resource use.

## Contribution

The study identifies new phytochemicals in olive stems and demonstrates antiviral activity against HSV-1 and adenovirus.

## Key findings

- 119 compounds were identified in olive stem extract, including 9 new ones like ligstrosidic acid and syringaresinol derivatives.
- The extract showed significant antiviral activity with selectivity indices of 30.78 for HSV-1 and 27 for adenovirus.
- Network pharmacology predicted eight anti-HSV-1 targets and 18 pathways, including NFkB and PIK3R1.

## Abstract

Olea europaea tree has long been a cornerstone of traditional medicine. Its different parts have been used as a remedy for viral accompanied diseases as asthma, sore throat, fever, and others. Despite its historical significance, olive stem’s chemical diversity and pharmacological potential remain underexplored. This study aims to bridge that gap by identifying the phytochemical compounds in stem ethanolic extract using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometer (UPLC-HR-QTOF-MS). Additionally, it assesses the extract’s cytotoxic effects using MTT assay and antiviral activities against HSV-1, coxsackievirus-B4, and adenovirus-7. Network pharmacology was employed to understand the potential compound-target pathways. The analysis revealed 119 compounds across 11 classes, including 9 new, such as ligstrosidic acid, nuzhenal A, and syringaresinol derivatives. Significant antiviral activity was demonstrated, with selectivity indices (SI) of 30.78 and 27 for HSV-1 and adenovirus, respectively. Eight anti-HSV-1 targets and 18 pathways were predicted, including NFkB, CHUK, and PIK3R1. The study highlights the value of olive stem waste products as antiviral agents, particularly against HSV-1, supporting their traditional use. It provides an approach to developing low-cost pharmaceutical products and animal feed for combating zoonotic agents, aligning with the 2030 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG-3 and SDG-12) for promoting health and sustainable resource use.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-025-07452-1.