Olive Leaf

Olive Leaf

Uses

Botanical names:
Olea europa

Parts Used & Where Grown

Olive is a small evergreen tree native to Mediterranean regions. The characteristic green to blue-black fruit of this tree yields a useful, edible oil. Both the oil and the dried green-grayish colored leaves are used medicinally.1, 2

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
2 Stars
Hypertension
Refer to label instructions
Olive leaf has been used traditionally to treat people with hypertension. In animal studies a constituent of olive leaf has decreased blood pressure and dilated arteries surrounding the heart when given by injection.

In animal studies oleuropein, one of the constituents of olive leaf, has decreased blood pressure and dilated arteries surrounding the heart, when given by injection or intravenously. Olive leaf has been used traditionally to treat people with hypertension, In a double-blind trial, the blood pressure-lowering effect of an extract of olive leaf was nearly as great as that of captopril, a drug used to treat hypertension. The olive leaf extract used in the study was EFLA 943, and the amount given was 500 mg twice a day for 8 weeks.

2 Stars
Osteoarthritis
Refer to label instructions
In a double-blind trial, people with osteoarthritis of the knee had a significant improvement in their pain after taking olive leaf extract.
Hydroxytyrosol, a phenolic compound present in olive leaf and extra-virgin olive oil, has anti-inflammatory activity. In a double-blind trial, treatment with 50 mg per day of olive leaf extract (providing 10 mg per day of hydroxytyrosol) for 4 weeks significantly improved pain, compared with a placebo, in people with osteoarthritis of the knee.
1 Star
Infection
Refer to label instructions
Olive leaf is an herb that directly attack microbes.

Herbs that directly attack microbes include the following: chaparral, eucalyptus, garlic, green tea, lemon balm (antiviral), lomatium, myrrh, olive leaf, onion, oregano, pau d'arco (antifungal), rosemary, sage, sandalwood, St. John's wort, tea tree oil, thyme, and usnea.
1 Star
Type 1 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions
Olive leaf extracts have been shown to improve blood sugar control in animals with diabetes.
Olive leaf extract has been shown to reduce oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling, and autoimmune activity, and to improve glucose metabolism and protect pancreatic cells in animal models of type 1 diabetes. These results have not yet been reproduced in human clinical trials.
1 Star
Type 2 Diabetes
500 mg of olive leaf extract or three cups of olive leaf tea daily
Preliminary research suggests olive leaf may improve glucose metabolism and have benefits for people with type 2 diabetes.
In a placebo-controlled trial, 79 subjects with type 2 diabetes received 500 mg per day of olive leaf extract or placebo. After 14 weeks, those who received the olive leaf extract had lower fasting blood insulin levels and HbA1c, but no difference in post-meal insulin levels was seen. The same researchers also reported finding olive leaf extract inhibited starch digestion and glucose absorption in animals with experimental diabetes. On the other hand, 100 mg per day of olive leaf extract, in combination with fenugreek and bergamot extracts, was no better than placebo at restoring healthy glucose metabolism in a trial with 100 participants with prediabetes. Another trial included people with prediabetes who received either olive leaf tea of a control tea three times per day for 12 weeks. Olive leaf tea reduced fasting blood glucose levels and improved lipid levels. In overweight men at risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a high-polyphenol olive leaf extract (providing 51.1 mg of oleuropein and 9.7 mg of hydroxytyrosol per day) improved insulin sensitivity and pancreatic function after 12 weeks. More research in subjects with type 2 diabetes is needed.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

The olive tree has been held in high esteem throughout history. Moses reportedly decreed that men who cultivated the leaf be exempt from serving in the army. The oil is symbolic of purity and goodness, while the olive branch represents peace and prosperity. Winners in the Greek Olympic games were crowned with a wreath of olive leaves.3 Historically, medicinal use of olive leaf has been for treatment of fevers and for the topical treatment of wounds or infection. As a poultice, it was also used by herbalists to treat skin rashes and boils.4

How It Works

Botanical names:
Olea europa

How It Works

Olive leaf has a wide number of constituents, including oleuropein and several types of flavonoids (e.g., rutin, apigenin, luteolin).5 While olive leaf is traditionally associated with a wide number of medicinal claims, few of these have been verified by experimental study. In an animal study oleuropein (when given by injection or in intravenous form) was found to decrease blood pressure (e.g., systolic and diastolic) and dilate the coronary arteries surrounding the heart.6 This ability to lower blood pressure may justify the traditional use of olive leaf in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.7 However, human studies are needed to clearly establish olive leaf as a potential treatment for high blood pressure.

In addition, a test tube study has revealed that oleuropein inhibits the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol. LDL oxidation is one part in a series of damaging events that, if left unchecked, can lead to the development of atherosclerosis.8 This action may provide one clue as to why those consuming a Mediterranean-based diet may lower their risk of developing atherosclerosis.

Oleuropein from olives may also have antibacterial properties. When unheated olives are brined to preserve them, oleuropein is converted into another chemical called elenolic acid. Elenolic acid has shown antibacterial actions against several species of Lactobacilli and Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilus in a test tube study.9 Whether or not the oleuropein in the leaf undergoes such a transformation is open to question at this point, raising some question as to its antibacterial effects and potential use for this purpose in humans.

Olive leaf extracts have been employed experimentally to lower elevated blood-sugar levels in animals with diabetes.10 These results have not been reproduced in human clinical trials and as such, no clear conclusions can be made from this animal study in the treatment of diabetes.

How to Use It

The effective amount of olive leaf for human use is not established. To make a tea, steep 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of dried leaves in 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water for 10–15 minutes.11 Dried leaf extracts containing 6–15% oleuropein are available commercially, but no standard amount has been established.

Interactions

Botanical names:
Olea europa

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

As of the last update, we found no reported interactions between this supplement and medicines. It is possible that unknown interactions exist. If you take medication, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a new supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.
The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers' package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:
Olea europa

Side Effects

The safety of olive leaf has not been established in pregnancy. Olive leaf can be irritating to the stomach lining and should be taken with meals.12

References

1. Wren RC. Potter's New Cyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Essex, England: CW Daniel Co., 1985, 204.

2. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Paris, France: Technique & Documentation-Lavoisier, 1995, 487-9.

3. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal, vol II. New York: Dover Publications, 1982, 598.

4. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998, 148-9.

5. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Paris, France: Technique & Documentation-Lavoisier, 1995, 487-9.

6. Petkov V, Manolov P. Pharmacological analysis of the iridoid oleuropein. Arzneimittelforschung 1972;22:1476-86.

7. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: AB Arcancum, 1988, 160-1.

8. Visioli F, Galli C. Oleuropein protects low density lipoprotein from oxidation. Life Sciences 1994;55:1965-71.

9. Fleming HP, Walter WM, Etchells JL. Antimicrobial properties of oleuropein and products of its hydrolysis from green olives. Applied Microbiol 1973;26:777-82.

10. Peirce A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: William Morrow and Co., 1999, 469-71.

11. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998, 148-9.

12. Petkov V, Manolov P. Pharmacological analysis of the iridoid oleuropein. Arzneimittelforschung 1972;22:1476-86.

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