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Olea Europaea

Also known as: Olive tree, Olive leaf extract, OLE, Olive oil, Olea europaea

Overview

Olea europaea, commonly known as the olive tree, is a source of bioactive compounds found in its leaves and fruit. Olive leaf extract (OLE) is derived from the leaves, while olive oil is extracted from the fruit. Key chemical constituents include oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and oleic acid. These extracts are primarily utilized for their potential cardiometabolic benefits, which encompass effects on blood pressure, lipid profiles, glucose metabolism, and inflammation. Research on OLE and olive oil components is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews/meta-analyses available. The evidence quality varies but includes well-conducted RCTs and meta-analyses with appropriate controls and sample sizes, supporting its use as a botanical supplement rich in polyphenols.

Benefits

Olea europaea extracts, particularly olive leaf extract (OLE) and olive oil components, offer several evidence-based benefits, primarily in cardiometabolic health. A systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs indicated that OLE supplementation can improve cardiometabolic parameters, including reductions in fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance markers (HOMA-IR), and inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-alpha, IL-6) in hypertensive and prehypertensive adults. However, some analyses suggest low doses of OLE might not significantly improve fasting glycemia. Olive oil and its components (oleic acid and hydroxytyrosol) have shown modest beneficial effects on lipid metabolism, such as reductions in LDL cholesterol and improvements in HDL cholesterol, alongside modest blood pressure lowering effects in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol are potent antioxidants, contributing to reduced oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which are crucial in cardiometabolic diseases. Benefits are most consistently observed in adults with metabolic syndrome, hypertension, or prediabetes, with effect sizes varying by dose and duration. While statistically significant, the effect sizes are generally modest (e.g., a few mmHg for blood pressure or mg/dL for glucose), suggesting Olea europaea products are more suitable as adjunctive therapy rather than standalone treatments. Most studies show benefits emerging within 8 to 12 weeks of supplementation.

How it works

The primary mechanisms of action for Olea europaea's beneficial effects involve its key compounds, oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and oleic acid. Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol exert potent antioxidant effects by scavenging free radicals and upregulating endogenous antioxidant enzymes. They also modulate inflammatory pathways by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-alpha and IL-6, and by interfering with NF-κB signaling. Oleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid abundant in olive oil, contributes to improved lipid profiles by modulating LDL and HDL cholesterol metabolism and may enhance endothelial function. Oleuropein is metabolized to hydroxytyrosol, which is more bioavailable and responsible for many of the systemic effects. Bioavailability can be influenced by formulation and co-ingestion with fats.

Side effects

Olive leaf extract and olive oil are generally well tolerated and possess a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effect is mild gastrointestinal discomfort, which occurs in less than 5% of subjects. While generally safe, there are potential interactions to consider. Due to its blood pressure and glucose-lowering effects, Olea europaea products may have additive effects when taken concurrently with antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications. Caution is advised in such cases, and monitoring by a healthcare professional is recommended to prevent excessive reductions in blood pressure or blood sugar. No major contraindications have been identified. However, data on its use during pregnancy and lactation are limited, so caution is advised for these populations. Overall, the risk of severe adverse effects is low, but individuals with pre-existing conditions or those on medication should consult their doctor before starting supplementation.

Dosage

Clinical trials have utilized olive leaf extract (OLE) doses ranging from 250 mg to 1000 mg daily. These doses are often divided, for example, 250 mg taken twice daily. An optimal dosage for achieving cardiometabolic benefits appears to be around 500 mg/day of standardized OLE. Doses up to 1000 mg/day have been used safely in trials lasting up to 12 weeks, indicating this as a potential maximum safe dose for short-term use. For improved absorption and tolerability, it is often recommended to take divided doses with meals. When selecting an OLE product, it is preferable to choose standardized extracts with a defined oleuropein content to ensure consistency and efficacy, as the concentration of active compounds can vary.

FAQs

Is olive leaf extract effective for blood pressure?

Yes, studies have shown that olive leaf extract can lead to modest reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, particularly in individuals with hypertension or prehypertension.

Can it replace medications?

No, olive leaf extract is considered an adjunctive therapy and should not be used as a substitute for prescribed antihypertensive or antidiabetic medications. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen.

How soon do effects appear?

Benefits from olive leaf extract supplementation typically begin to manifest within 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use, as observed in clinical trials.

Is olive oil the same as olive leaf extract?

No, they are different. Olive oil is extracted from the fruit and is rich in oleic acid, while olive leaf extract is derived from the leaves and contains higher concentrations of polyphenols like oleuropein.

Research Sources

https://peerj.com/articles/11173/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the effects of olive leaf extract supplementation on cardiometabolic parameters. It found that OLE can improve fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, and inflammatory markers in hypertensive and prehypertensive adults, though some analyses showed no significant improvement in fasting glycemia at low doses. The study highlights OLE's potential as an adjunctive therapy for cardiometabolic health.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34153478/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis focused on the effects of olive oil components, specifically hydroxytyrosol and oleic acid, on lipid profiles and blood pressure in patients with metabolic syndrome. The findings indicate that these components contribute to modest improvements in LDL and HDL cholesterol levels and blood pressure, supporting the role of olive oil constituents in cardiometabolic health.
https://www.mdpi.com/2813-0464/3/3/26 – This comprehensive review discusses the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective potential of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol found in olive leaf extracts. It synthesizes evidence from both in vitro and clinical studies, supporting the therapeutic potential of these compounds. The review also emphasizes the variability in extract composition due to cultivar and extraction methods.
https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/82/12/1710/7591544 – This source provides a systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of olive leaf extract on blood pressure and metabolic parameters. It concludes that OLE supplementation reduces blood pressure and improves metabolic markers, with mean differences favoring the treatment groups. The study notes limitations in dose-response subgroup analyses due to insufficient data.
https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/13/9/1040 – This research highlights the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, key components of Olea europaea. It explains how these compounds contribute to reducing oxidative stress and systemic inflammation, which are underlying factors in the development of cardiometabolic diseases. The study reinforces the therapeutic potential of olive leaf extracts in managing these conditions.