As the name suggests, in the form of a dietary supplement, Olive Leaf Extract is exactly an extract from olive leaves.
Although it contains nearly 20-something ingredients, the basic and most important ones are oleuropein, tyrosol, and hydroxytyrosol. These three substances are contained in high concentrations in the extra virgin olive oil.
The leaf extract contains phenolics and is claimed to have highly protective effects against LDL oxidation. The olive leaf extract may also benefit glucose metabolism and skin health.
Olive leaves have been used in the traditional medicine of many countries around the world. In recent years the extract from the leaves has gained popularity because of its properties to combat high blood pressure, but is it really worth it?
Top 5 Best Selling Olive Leaf Extract Supplements
Product | Name | Buy on iHerb | Buy on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Now Foods Olive Leaf Extract | ||
| #2 California Gold Nutrition Olive Leaf Extract | ||
| #3 Nature's Way Premium Extract Olive Leaf | ||
| #4 Natural Factors Olive Leaf | ||
| #5 Gaia Herbs Olive Leaf |
What Is Olive Leaf Extract
As the name suggests, in the form of a dietary supplement, Olive Leaf Extract is exactly an extract from olive leaves. It should not be confused with olive oil, which is derived from the actual fruit of the tree - the olives.
Although it contains nearly 20-something ingredients, the basic and most important ones are oleuropein, tyrosol, and hydroxytyrosol. These three substances are contained in high concentrations in the extra virgin olive oil.
What Are the Physiological Properties
If you are looking to purchase olive leaf extract, you've probably noticed how many positive qualities people attribute to it.
Some traders and producers’ marketing is so strong that one could get a really wrong impression and high expectations. The fact is that olives and olive oil are extremely useful and very beneficial to the body.
And although the main active phenols are present both in the extract from the leaves and in the oil, the properties of the two substances are not the same. At this stage, the research conducted with humans indicate that olive leaf extract:
- is a strong antioxidant agent;
- helps reduce blood pressure;
- reduces the oxidation of LDL cholesterol;
- increases the insulin sensitivity and capacity of secreting beta cells in the pancreas in people with obesity and prediabetes.
Additional Properties
In vitro studies suggest a potential antimicrobial and antibacterial effect of the olive leaf extract, mainly against Campylobacter jejuni, Helicobacter pylori, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, and Staphylococcus aureus.
In Bulgaria and Italy, the olive leaf extract has traditionally been used to treat skin burns.
What Is the Recommended Intake
The recommended intake of the standardized extract with 6% of oleuropein is 500-1000 mg daily, at 2 intakes.
As with most herbs, the intake on an empty or half-empty stomach is recommended.
Consider taking this olive leaf extract in combination with NOW Colostrum, Respir-All and Immune Renew.
Possible Side Effects
With an intake of 1000 mg daily for 8 weeks, there are no side effects observed.
While there is no scientific evidence for this, some people experience severe headaches when taking the extract.
Theoretically, the reason for this can be the accumulated dead organisms from the antibacterial and antimicrobial effect of the extract. Possible allergic reactions in people with allergies to pollen.
In Conclusion
The olive leaf extract is one of those substances that have yet to reveal their full potential.
And although the main active ingredients overlap with those of olive oil, the more frequent consumption of the latter would be advantageous and surely proven to be beneficial.
