Olive leaf extract benefits

Olive leaf from Olea europaea, the olive tree, has been used for centuries in many countries for medicinal purposes. It is an antioxidant, helping to support a healthy cardiovascular system by supporting the reduction of high blood pressure and aiding healthy cholesterol levels. 

Olive leaf extract benefits may also include antiviral and antibacterial effects. Finally,  other benefits of olive leaf extract may include enhancing energy production in the body and relieving fatigue and exhaustion.

Olive leaf extract’s high antioxidant profile

Antioxidants play an important role in reducing the damaging effects of free radicals in the body. Increased oxidative stress caused by free radicals can leave the body prone to premature ageing, degenerative diseases and poor health in general.

The most studied antioxidant in olive leaf extract is oleuropein, but it also contains others such as hydroxytyrosol, hydroxytyrosol, rutin, luteolin, catechin and apigenin. The plant's active constituents may help to help protect it against insects and disease.

The benefits of olive leaf extract: it’s all in the leaves

Extracts from the leaves of the olive tree have up to 40 times more phenolic compounds than olive oil, with none of the fats. Although the active polyphenols are present in the olive fruit and oil, the active polyphenols are significantly higher in the leaves.

It’s also important to note that there are different ways in which olive leaf extract is made. Some are made using fresh leaves, while others extract the active ingredients from the dried leaves.

Looking for an olive leaf extract that details a standardised amount of an active constituent, usually oleuropein, is one indicator that the product is of excellent quality.

Heart Health

Your heart and blood vessels work together to pump blood around the body—essential for delivering nutrients and oxygen to organs and tissues. Constriction or poor function of these blood vessels may lead to poor health. 

This can be attributed to factors such as increased levels of LDL (bad) cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. Atherosclerosis occurs when plaque in the arteries narrows and stiffens the blood vessels. High levels of LDL cholesterol levels may contribute to the formation of these plaques.

Olive leaf and cardiovascular health

In clinical trials, olive leaf extract has been shown to reduce elevated LDL-cholesterol levels and high blood pressure. Olive leaf extract may also relax and dilate blood vessels, helping to improve blood flow.

It’s also important to note that LDL cholesterol molecules and the blood vessels themselves may be susceptible to damage from free radicals. The antioxidants in olive leaf extract may help protect against oxidative damage and decrease the risks associated with high blood pressure.

Immune Support

Taking olive leaf extract may help support immune health. 

Studies have shown olive leaf extract may be effective against a number of disease-causing microbes, including some that cause influenza or similar respiratory conditions.

Research suggests that olive leaf compounds inhibit bacteria and viruses by “inactivating” specific virus cells or inhibiting their replication. 

While protecting ourselves against the viruses that lead to colds and flu is important, olive leaf extract may also help protect against other microbes, including bacteria, fungi, yeasts and parasites.

Olive leaf extract side effects

Olive leaf extract is generally considered a safe herb for adults and children, especially for long-term use, with little known side effects. However, it’s best taken with food to avoid gastrointestinal irritation.  For advice on taking olive leaf extract safely, it’s best to check with a healthcare professional.

Related reads:

• What are the best vitamins for tiredness and lack of energy
• The time-tested power of adaptogens for stress relief
• What are B vitamins and why are they important?

References

1. Lockyer, S., Rowland, I., Spencer, J. P. E., Yaqoob, P., & Stonehouse, W. (2016). Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers: a randomised controlled trial. European Journal of Nutrition, 56(4), 1421–1432. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-016-1188-y
2. Barbaro, B., Toietta, G., Maggio, R., Arciello, M., Tarocchi, M., Galli, A., & Balsano, C. (2014). Effects of the Olive-Derived Polyphenol Oleuropein on Human Health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 15(10), 18508–18524. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms151018508
3. Mansour, H. M. M., Zeitoun, A. A., Abd-Rabou, H. S., El Enshasy, H. A., Dailin, D. J., Zeitoun, M. A. A., & El-Sohaimy, S. A. (2023). Antioxidant and Anti-Diabetic Properties of Olive (Olea europaea) Leaf Extracts: In Vitro and In Vivo Evaluation. Antioxidants, 12(6), 1275. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12061275
4. Department of Health & Human Services. (n.d.-a). Antioxidants. Better Health Channel. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/antioxidants
5. Basuny, A. M. (2018). Olive leaves healthy alternative for green tea. Current Trends in Biomedical Engineering & Biosciences, 15(4). https://doi.org/10.19080/ctbeb.2018.15.555919
6. Boss, A., Bishop, K. S., Marlow, G., Barnett, M. P. G., & Ferguson, L. R. (2016). Evidence to Support the Anti-Cancer Effect of Olive Leaf Extract and Future Directions. Nutrients, 8(8), 513. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu8080513
7. Razmpoosh, E., Abdollahi, S., Mousavirad, M., Clark, C. C. T., & Soltani, S. (2022). The effects of olive leaf extract on cardiovascular risk factors in the general adult population: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome, 14(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13098-022-00920-y
8. Selim, S., Albqmi, M., Al-Sanea, M. M., Alnusaire, T. S., Almuhayawi, M. S., AbdElgawad, H., Al Jaouni, S. K., Elkelish, A., Hussein, S., Warrad, M., & El-Saadony, M. T. (2022). Valorizing the usage of olive leaves, bioactive compounds, biological activities, and food applications: A comprehensive review. Frontiers in Nutrition, 9, Article 1008349. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2022.1008349
9. Silvestrini, A., Giordani, C., Bonacci, S., Giuliani, A., Ramini, D., Matacchione, G., Sabbatinelli, J., Di Valerio, S., Pacetti, D., Procopio, A. D., Procopio, A., & Rippo, M. R. (2023). Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Olive Leaf Extract and Its Bioactive Compounds Oleacin and Oleuropein-Aglycone on Senescent Endothelial and Small Airway Epithelial Cells. Antioxidants (Basel), 12(8), 1509. https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox12081509
10. Silvan, J. M., Guerrero-Hurtado, E., Gutierrez-Docio, A., Prodanov, M., & Martinez-Rodriguez, A. J. (2023). Olive Leaf as a Source of Antibacterial Compounds Active against Antibiotic-Resistant Strains of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli. Antibiotics (Basel), 12(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12010026
11. Muzzalupo, I., Badolati, G., Chiappetta, A., Picci, N., & Muzzalupo, R. (2020). In vitro Antifungal Activity of Olive (Olea europaea) Leaf Extracts Loaded in Chitosan Nanoparticles. Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, 8, 151. https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2020.00151
12. Nasrollahi, Z., & Abolhasannezhad, M. (2015). Evaluation of the antifungal activity of olive leaf aqueous extracts against Candida albicans PTCC-5027. Current Medical Mycology, 1(4), 37–39. https://doi.org/10.18869/acadpub.cmm.1.4.37
13. Kyriazis, I. D., Aligiannis, N., Polychronopoulos, P., Skaltsounis, A., & Dotsika, E. (2013). Leishmanicidal activity assessment of olive tree extracts. Phytomedicine, 20(3–4), 275–281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2012.11.013