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Green Olive Leaf Extract

Also known as: Olea europaea L. (leaf extract), Olive leaf extract, OLE, Green olive leaf extract, Olea europaea (Olive Leaf Extract)

Overview

Green olive leaf extract (OLE) is derived from the leaves of the olive tree (*Olea europaea* L.), a plant native to the Mediterranean region. The extract is rich in polyphenols, particularly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. OLE is primarily used for its potential benefits in reducing cardiometabolic risk factors, including blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glucose metabolism. Research suggests that OLE may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, and enhance glucose metabolism. It is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. The quality of available evidence is considered good for short-term effects on blood pressure and lipid profiles, but more extensive research is needed to confirm long-term benefits and hard clinical endpoints. OLE's high antioxidant capacity and potential cardioprotective effects make it a popular herbal supplement for supporting cardiovascular and metabolic health.

Benefits

Olive leaf extract (OLE) has several evidence-based benefits, primarily related to cardiometabolic health. Meta-analyses show significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by approximately 4–6 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by 2–3 mmHg in adults with prehypertension or hypertension. Studies also indicate modest improvements in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides, with increases in HDL reported in some cases. Furthermore, OLE may lead to small but statistically significant reductions in fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance markers (HOMA-IR) in some populations. Secondary benefits include anti-inflammatory effects, with reductions in inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha, and increased antioxidant capacity, reducing oxidative stress markers. These effects are most pronounced in adults with elevated blood pressure or metabolic syndrome, with benefits typically observed within 8–12 weeks of supplementation. While blood pressure reductions are clinically meaningful for individuals with mild hypertension, lipid and glucose effects are modest and may be best considered as adjunctive.

How it works

Olive leaf extract (OLE) exerts its effects through several biological pathways. Its antioxidant properties allow it to scavenge reactive oxygen species and upregulate endogenous antioxidant enzymes. OLE also exhibits anti-inflammatory actions by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and signaling pathways. Furthermore, it acts as a vasodilator by enhancing nitric oxide bioavailability, which improves endothelial function. These mechanisms primarily affect the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. Key molecular targets include NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, the main bioactive compounds in OLE, are well absorbed, with peak plasma concentrations occurring within 1–2 hours post-ingestion. Hydroxytyrosol has higher bioavailability than oleuropein, contributing to the overall efficacy of the extract.

Side effects

Olive leaf extract (OLE) is generally well tolerated in clinical studies, but some side effects have been reported. The most common side effects, occurring in more than 5% of users, include mild gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea and diarrhea. Uncommon side effects, affecting 1–5% of users, include rare reports of headache or dizziness. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, include allergic reactions or liver enzyme elevations. OLE may have potential additive effects with antihypertensive or hypoglycemic medications, so caution is advised for patients on these therapies. It is contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to olive products. Due to limited data in pregnancy, lactation, and children, OLE should be used with caution in these groups. Overall, while OLE is considered safe for most adults at recommended doses, it is important to monitor for potential interactions and adverse effects, especially in vulnerable populations or those taking related medications.

Dosage

The minimum effective dose of olive leaf extract (OLE) is 500 mg/day, standardized to 5–10% oleuropein. The optimal dosage range is 500–1000 mg/day, divided into two doses. A maximum safe dose of up to 2000 mg/day has been used in clinical studies without serious adverse effects. OLE can be taken with or without food, although splitting doses may improve tolerability. Standardized extracts are preferred to ensure consistent polyphenol content. While food may enhance absorption, it is not strictly required. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for OLE's efficacy. It is important to adhere to recommended dosage guidelines and monitor for any adverse effects, especially when taking other medications that affect blood pressure or glucose levels.

FAQs

Is olive leaf extract safe?

OLE is safe for most adults at recommended doses. Monitor if taking blood pressure or glucose-lowering medications due to potential additive effects. Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns.

When is the best time to take olive leaf extract?

OLE is best taken with meals to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort. Splitting the daily dose into two servings may also improve tolerability.

How long does it take to see results from olive leaf extract?

Expect modest reductions in blood pressure and improvements in lipid/glucose profiles within 8–12 weeks of consistent supplementation. Individual results may vary.

Can olive leaf extract replace my blood pressure medication?

No, OLE is not a substitute for prescribed antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications. It may provide adjunctive benefits but should not replace medical treatment.

Are there any side effects?

Some people may experience mild gastrointestinal discomfort, such as nausea. Rare side effects include headache or dizziness. Discontinue use if you experience any adverse reactions.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38287654/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs found that OLE significantly improved blood pressure, lipid profiles, and glucose metabolism in adults with cardiometabolic risk factors. The effect sizes were modest but statistically significant, indicating potential benefits for cardiovascular health. The review noted heterogeneity in study designs and OLE formulations as limitations.
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/12/1710/7591544?login=false – This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of OLE on cardiometabolic risk factors. The review highlighted that OLE supplementation alone improved blood pressure and lipid profiles, with no serious adverse effects reported across the included studies. Variability in OLE composition and dosing was noted as a limitation.
https://peerj.com/articles/11173/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the effects of OLE in adults with prehypertension or hypertension. The study found that OLE reduced SBP by approximately 4–6 mmHg and DBP by approximately 2–3 mmHg, with modest improvements in lipids and glucose. The authors noted the need for more long-term data and hard clinical endpoints to fully assess the benefits of OLE.
https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.13451 – This systematic review and meta-analysis, encompassing 12 RCTs with 819 participants, investigated the impact of OLE supplementation on blood pressure and lipid profiles. The findings indicated that OLE supplementation alone improved these parameters, without any reported serious adverse effects. The review emphasized the variability in OLE composition and dosing as a factor influencing the observed outcomes.