Olive Leaf Extract
Olea europaea
A Mediterranean botanical rich in oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, studied for modest blood pressure and cholesterol effects, with traditional antimicrobial use.
At a Glance
- Best known for
- Modest blood pressure reduction in small trials, Potent antioxidant polyphenols (oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol), May improve insulin sensitivity
- Evidence
- Preliminary
- Typical dose
- 500 mg extract 2x daily
- Type
- Herb
What is Olive Leaf Extract?
Olive leaf extract is made from the leaves of Olea europaea, the same tree that produces olives and olive oil. Olive leaves have been used medicinally around the Mediterranean since ancient Egypt and Greece for fevers and 'wasting' illnesses, and in the 19th century olive leaf tea was used for malaria. The leaves contain much higher concentrations of the bitter secoiridoid oleuropein than the fruit or oil, which is why they are extracted for supplements. Modern interest centers on cardiovascular and metabolic effects of its polyphenols, especially oleuropein and its breakdown product hydroxytyrosol.
Known Health Benefits
How It Works
Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol are powerful free-radical scavengers and inhibit LDL oxidation. In blood vessels they enhance nitric oxide availability and act as mild ACE inhibitors and calcium-channel modulators, which likely explains the blood pressure effects seen in trials. Oleuropein improves insulin secretion and sensitivity in experimental models and reduces inflammatory signaling via NF-κB. In vitro, oleuropein and elenolic acid derivatives interfere with viral and bacterial growth, underlying the traditional antimicrobial reputation, though this has not been tested in rigorous human trials. Triterpenes (oleanolic and maslinic acids) add anti-inflammatory activity.
What Research Says
Human evidence is limited to a handful of small trials. A 2011 double-blind study of 232 people with stage 1 hypertension found 500 mg olive leaf extract twice daily (standardized to oleuropein) lowered blood pressure comparably to captopril 12.5–25 mg twice daily over 8 weeks, with an added triglyceride-lowering effect. A 2008 trial in twin pairs with borderline hypertension found 1,000 mg daily reduced systolic blood pressure by about 11 mmHg versus controls. A 2013 crossover trial in 46 overweight men found 12 weeks of extract improved insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta-cell function. A 2017 UK trial reported small reductions in blood pressure and LDL in prehypertensive adults. Studies are short, small, and often single-center, so the effects, while consistent in direction, need confirmation in larger trials. Antiviral claims rest on laboratory data only.
Active Compounds
Oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, oleacein, verbascoside, luteolin, apigenin, maslinic and oleanolic acids
Forms & Bioavailability
Oleuropein is partially hydrolyzed in the gut to hydroxytyrosol, which is well absorbed (over 90% in some studies) and peaks in plasma within about an hour. Absorption is better from liquid or oil-based preparations than from dry tablets. Both compounds are rapidly metabolized and excreted within hours, so divided dosing is sensible. Taking it with a meal containing fat may improve uptake of the lipophilic fractions.
Dosage Guidance
| Use Case | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Blood pressure support | 500 mg extract 2x daily |
| Metabolic / insulin sensitivity | 4 capsules providing ~50 mg oleuropein daily |
| General antioxidant | 250–500 mg extract daily |
| Olive leaf tea | 1–2 tsp dried leaf steeped 10 min |
| Liquid extract | 5–10 mL daily |
Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dosing.
Natural Food Sources
- Olive leaves (as tea; not commonly eaten)
- Extra virgin olive oil (contains hydroxytyrosol and small amounts of oleuropein)
- Olives, especially unprocessed or minimally cured
Potential Side Effects
Generally well tolerated; mild stomach upset, headache, or dizziness (possibly from lowered blood pressure); rare skin rash
Who Should Avoid It
- Low blood pressure or concurrent antihypertensive therapy (additive hypotension)
- Diabetes medications, including insulin (hypoglycemia risk without monitoring)
- Scheduled surgery (stop 2 weeks before owing to blood pressure and theoretical bleeding effects)
- Pollen allergy to olive tree (cross-reactivity possible)
- Chemotherapy (discuss with oncologist; in vitro interactions)
Pregnancy & Lactation
There are no adequate human safety studies in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Olive leaf tea has a long traditional history, but concentrated extracts are not recommended during pregnancy or lactation without medical advice. Olive oil and olives in the diet are of course safe.
Known Drug Interactions
Additive with blood pressure medications and diabetes drugs (hypotension/hypoglycemia risk); theoretical additive effect with anticoagulants; may affect chemotherapy agents in vitro
Evidence Classification
Based on in vitro studies, animal models, pilot trials, or traditional use documentation. Clinical evidence is limited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can olive leaf extract lower blood pressure?
Small trials suggest yes, modestly. In the best-known study it matched a low dose of the ACE inhibitor captopril over 8 weeks. The reductions were in the range of 10 mmHg systolic, which is clinically meaningful but not a substitute for prescribed treatment. If you already take blood pressure medication, adding olive leaf can push pressure too low, so check with your prescriber and monitor at home.
Does it kill viruses?
Oleuropein and related compounds inhibit a range of viruses and bacteria in laboratory dishes, which is where the 'natural antibiotic' reputation comes from. There are no good human trials showing olive leaf extract treats or prevents infections, so this use should be considered traditional and unproven.
Is olive leaf extract the same as olive oil polyphenols?
They overlap but are not identical. Olive leaf is far richer in oleuropein, while extra virgin olive oil provides hydroxytyrosol, oleocanthal, and oleacein in smaller amounts. The EU permits a health claim for olive oil containing at least 5 mg hydroxytyrosol and derivatives per 20 g for protecting blood lipids from oxidation. Leaf extracts deliver a larger polyphenol dose in capsule form.
How long before I notice an effect?
Blood pressure and lipid trials ran 6–12 weeks, and effects appeared gradually over that period. There is no immediate noticeable effect, so plan on consistent daily use with home monitoring to judge benefit.
References
- Olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract effective in patients with stage-1 hypertension: comparison with Captopril. Susalit E, Agus N, Effendi I, et al.. Phytomedicine (2011)View study
- Olive leaf extract supplementation improves insulin sensitivity and pancreatic β-cell secretory capacity in overweight middle-aged men: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. de Bock M, Derraik JG, Brennan CM, et al.. PLoS One (2013)
- Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers: a randomised controlled trial. Lockyer S, Rowland I, Spencer JPE, Yaqoob P, Stonehouse W. Eur J Nutr (2017)
- Olive leaf extract. Examine.comView study
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This entry is for educational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement regimen, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.