Biological evaluation and nutraceutical potential of Bambina, a resilient Apulian olive cultivar, through an advanced milling process

Introduction: In Italy, the Apulia region is renowned for its extensive olive biodiversity, which includes a wide range of autochthonous germplasm playing a crucial role in the regional economy and cultural heritage. The preservation and valorisation of this biodiversity are fundamental for sustaining healthy agro-ecosystems, promoting local olive varieties, and enhancing the marketability of high-quality food products. The aim of this work was to characterize and valorise the minor autochthonous olive cultivar Bambina, which exhibits notable rusticity and adaptability to diverse climatic conditions, through a comparative analysis with the well-known and widely appreciated cultivar Coratina. Methods: A comprehensive characterization of the Bambina olive cultivar was carried out by analysing drupes, leaves, and derived products (pastes and oils). A modified milling extraction process was employed to enhance the retention of bioactive compounds and improve the overall nutritional quality of the oils. Gene expression and enzymatic activity assays were performed to investigate antioxidant-related pathways. Additionally, in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of oils and cell-based assays (MCD4 cells) were conducted to evaluate antioxidant activity, cell viability, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) modulation. Olive leaf extracts were also tested for their bioactive properties. Results: The nutraceutical milling process significantly enhanced the retention of bioactive compounds, increasing total phenols and tocopherols in both cultivars. Bambina oils exhibited antioxidant profiles comparable to those of Coratina. Gene expression and enzymatic analyses revealed cultivar-specific regulation of antioxidant pathways, with Bambina showing enhanced activation of lipoxygenase-related mechanisms. In vitro experiments on renal collecting duct cells (MCD4) revealed that the antioxidant characteristics of both olive leaf extracts and digested oils from Bambina and Coratina cultivars were comparable. Conclusion: The Bambina cultivar shows significant potential as a nutraceutical olive variety, combining resilience to environmental stresses with high-quality bioactive profile. The application of advanced low-temperature milling further enhances its nutritional value. These findings support the valorization of Bambina olive oil as a competitive and health-promoting product in the global market.