Herb

    Olive Leaf Extract

    Olea europaea

    TL;DR

    Olive leaf extract, standardised for oleuropein, produces small reductions in blood pressure and blood sugar in a handful of small trials. Reasonable as a food-adjacent adjunct, not a substitute for treatment.

    Ideal For

    • Adults with borderline blood pressure alongside diet and exercise
    • People pursuing a Mediterranean-pattern polyphenol intake

    Avoid If

    • You are on antihypertensive medication without monitoring
    • You take insulin or sulfonylureas, due to additive glucose lowering
    • You are pregnant or breastfeeding
    • You have an olive or Oleaceae pollen allergy

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Overview

    Olive leaf extract is standardised to oleuropein, the bitter secoiridoid also found in unrefined olive oil. The most cited human study is a 2011 randomised trial in twin brothers with borderline hypertension, in which 500 mg twice daily for eight weeks lowered systolic pressure by roughly 11 mmHg and improved LDL, comparable to captopril 12.5 mg twice daily in a separate arm. Later trials have been smaller and less dramatic, showing 3 to 5 mmHg reductions, modest improvements in insulin sensitivity in overweight men, and inconsistent lipid effects. Antimicrobial and antiviral claims rest on in vitro work only. Overall the direction of effect is plausible and consistent with the Mediterranean diet literature, but the trials are few, short and small.

    How It Works

    • Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol scavenge reactive oxygen species and reduce LDL oxidation
    • Improves endothelial nitric oxide availability, relaxing vessels
    • Inhibits ACE weakly in vitro
    • Improves insulin sensitivity and slows carbohydrate digestion in small trials
    • Downregulates NF-kB-driven inflammatory signalling

    Benefits & Outcomes

    No linked outcomes yet. Research is ongoing.

    Health Concerns Addressed

    Elevated Blood Pressure

    symptom
    Mixed evidence
    Limited
    Effectiveness 2/5

    A plausible adjunct for borderline hypertension alongside diet change, but the evidence base is thin and the headline result comes from a twin study of 20 pairs.

    Supporting Research
    6 studies

    Effect of olive leaf extract supplementation on blood pressure: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

    Score: 7/10
    2022
    meta_analysis

    Ahmadi A, Jamialahmadi T, Sahebkar A

    Pooled trials showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure with olive leaf extract.

    View source

    The effect of olive leaf extract on cardiovascular health markers: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial

    Score: 7/10
    2021
    rct
    n=77

    Stevens Y, Winkens B, Jonkers D +1 more

    Olive leaf extract did not improve blood pressure, arterial stiffness or lipids versus placebo in healthy adults.

    View source

    Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers: a randomised controlled trial

    Score: 6/10
    2017
    crossover
    n=60

    Lockyer S, Rowland I, Spencer JPE

    Olive leaf extract lowered systolic blood pressure by about 3.5 mmHg and reduced total and LDL cholesterol.

    View source

    Antihypertensive and antihyperlipidemic effects of olive leaf extract in stage-1 hypertension: a randomized, double-blind, comparison with captopril

    Score: 6/10
    2011
    rct
    n=232

    Susalit E, Agus N, Effendi I

    Olive leaf extract lowered blood pressure comparably to captopril over eight weeks in stage-1 hypertension.

    View source

    Effects of olive leaf extract on glycaemic control: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in overweight middle-aged men

    Score: 6/10
    2013
    crossover
    n=46

    de Bock M, Derraik JGB, Brennan CM

    Olive leaf polyphenols improved insulin sensitivity by 15% in overweight middle-aged men.

    View source

    Oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol: bioavailability, safety and clinical effects in humans

    Score: 6/10
    2019
    systematic_review

    Nediani C, Ruzzolini J, Romani A +1 more

    Olive polyphenol trials are small and heterogeneous in dose and extract standardisation.

    View source

    Safety Information

    Potential Side Effects

    Mild GI upset, headache and occasional dizziness from blood pressure lowering. Bitter taste is common.

    Contraindications

    Pregnancy and lactation due to absent data; caution with hypotension.

    Drug Interactions

    • Antihypertensives: additive blood pressure reduction
    • Antidiabetic drugs: additive glucose lowering
    • Possible mild interaction with drugs cleared by CYP enzymes

    Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

    Pregnancy: insufficient_data

    Breastfeeding: insufficient_data

    Dosage Guidelines

    Dosage Used in Studies

    Consult healthcare provider

    Forms Compared

    Food & Timing

    With meals; taking it alongside carbohydrate may help the glycaemic effect.

    Medical Disclaimer

    The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or before starting any supplement regimen.

    Individual results may vary. The statements on this website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Products and information are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.