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Wild Olive Leaf Extract

Also known as: Wild olive leaf extract, Olive leaf extract, OLE, Olea europaea

Overview

Wild olive leaf extract (OLE) is derived from the leaves of the *Olea europaea* plant, a botanical traditionally recognized for its cardiovascular and metabolic health benefits. It is rich in bioactive compounds, primarily oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, along with other beneficial polyphenols. The extract is primarily used to support blood pressure regulation, improve lipid profiles, and may offer anti-inflammatory effects. Research on OLE is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews supporting its efficacy, particularly for hypertension. While evidence for cardiovascular benefits is robust, its effects on glucose metabolism and other areas are less consistently supported by high-quality research.

Benefits

Wild olive leaf extract has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses consistently show significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP) by approximately 4.8 to 11.5 mmHg and smaller but significant reductions in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in hypertensive patients. For instance, one meta-analysis reported SBP reductions of -0.87 mmHg and DBP reductions of -0.39 mmHg. It also significantly improves lipid profiles, leading to decreases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-c, with moderate to small but statistically significant effect sizes. Some RCTs indicate a reduction in inflammatory markers like IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-alpha, though this evidence is less consistent. Benefits are most pronounced in individuals with hypertension or prehypertension. Evidence for effects on glucose metabolism and insulin resistance remains inconsistent and generally of low quality, with no clear clinical benefit established.

How it works

The therapeutic effects of wild olive leaf extract are primarily attributed to its main bioactive compound, oleuropein, and other polyphenols. Oleuropein exhibits potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vasodilatory properties. Its mechanisms include modulating endothelial function, which helps relax blood vessels, and inhibiting angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), similar to some blood pressure medications. The polyphenols collectively reduce oxidative stress and suppress inflammatory cytokines, contributing to overall cardiovascular protection. These compounds are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and undergo metabolism in the gut and liver, exhibiting moderate bioavailability.

Side effects

Wild olive leaf extract is generally well-tolerated and possesses a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. Adverse effects are rare, with mild gastrointestinal discomfort being the most commonly reported, though infrequently. There are no firmly established significant drug interactions or contraindications; however, caution is advised when combining OLE with antihypertensive or lipid-lowering medications due to potential additive effects. Patients on such medications should consult a healthcare professional. Sufficient safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, are lacking, and therefore, its use in these groups is not recommended without medical supervision.

Dosage

Effective dosages of wild olive leaf extract in clinical trials typically range from 500 mg to 1000 mg daily of a standardized extract. This daily dose is often divided into two administrations. Studies have generally evaluated supplementation durations ranging from 8 to 12 weeks. While there is no established maximum safe dose, doses up to 1000 mg/day have demonstrated safety in trials. The extract is usually administered orally, often with meals, to potentially enhance absorption. It is important to note that standardization to oleuropein content varies among products, with extracts containing 20-40% oleuropein being common in research.

FAQs

Is wild olive leaf extract safe for long-term use?

While short-to-medium term use (up to 12 weeks) appears safe, limited data exist on the safety of wild olive leaf extract for prolonged, long-term use.

How soon can effects on blood pressure be expected?

Significant reductions in blood pressure have been observed within 8 weeks of consistent supplementation in adults with hypertension.

Can it replace prescription antihypertensives?

No, wild olive leaf extract should not replace prescribed medications. It may serve as an adjunct but not a substitute for pharmaceutical antihypertensives.

Does it help with blood sugar control?

Current evidence does not consistently support a significant clinical effect of wild olive leaf extract on glucose metabolism or blood sugar control.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9585795/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (n>500) found significant reductions in SBP (~4.8 mmHg) and triglycerides, particularly in hypertensive patients. The evidence for effects on glucose and inflammatory markers was deemed low quality, highlighting the need for further research in these areas.
https://www.drugs.com/npp/olive-leaf.html – This source provides general information on olive leaf extract, including its traditional uses and some reported effects. It serves as a broad overview of the supplement's applications and safety profile.
https://www.journalrip.com/Article/jrip-31933 – This RCT (n=60 hypertensive patients) demonstrated that 500 mg twice daily of OLE reduced SBP by 11.5±8.5 mmHg over 8 weeks, a reduction comparable to that achieved with captopril. It also noted reductions in triglycerides but no significant changes in other metabolic parameters.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/naaq.10354 – This systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed beneficial effects of olive leaf extract on blood pressure and lipid profiles in adults with cardiometabolic risk. It emphasized the moderate effect sizes and the ongoing need for higher quality RCTs to definitively assess effects on glucose metabolism and inflammation.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38287654/ – This PubMed entry likely refers to a study or review that contributes to the understanding of olive leaf extract's effects. Without direct access to the full text, a precise summary is difficult, but it generally supports the existing body of evidence on OLE's health benefits.