What is olive leaf extract?
Olive leaf extract is obtained from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea), which contain concentrated amounts of bioactive compounds, primarily oleuropein. The olive tree is an integral part of Mediterranean culture, and its health-supporting properties have been recognised for thousands of years. While olive oil is widely acclaimed worldwide, olive leaf extract is less well known but contains oleuropein in even higher concentrations.
The Mediterranean diet, with olive products as a key component, is one of the most studied dietary patterns in the world and has been associated with improvements in many health markers. For residents of Estonia and the Nordic countries who do not follow a daily Mediterranean diet, olive leaf extract may be a practical way to add these polyphenols to their routine.
How olive leaf extract works
Oleuropein, the primary bioactive compound in olive leaf extract, is a polyphenol with antioxidant properties. In the digestive tract, oleuropein is partially converted to hydroxytyrosol — another important polyphenol also found in olive oil.
Research has shown that these compounds may influence several biochemical pathways, including protection against oxidative stress and vascular function.
Evidence and benefits
Olive leaf extract itself does not have EFSA-approved specific health claims. However, olive oil polyphenols have an approved EFSA claim that they contribute to the protection of blood lipids from oxidative stress (provided the daily dose contains at least 5 mg of hydroxytyrosol). Research on olive leaf extract suggests:
- Some clinical studies have shown that olive leaf extract may support healthy blood pressure levels (Susalit et al., 2011)
- Research points to positive effects on cholesterol and blood lipid profiles (Lockyer et al., 2017)
- Antioxidant properties are well documented in laboratory studies
- Preliminary research has examined potential effects on blood sugar levels (de Bock et al., 2013)
Many studies are small-scale and results are sometimes inconsistent. Larger, longer-term studies are needed.
How to take olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract is available as capsules, tablets, and liquid. Standardised extracts typically contain 15–25% oleuropein. Dosages used in research range from 500–1,000 mg of extract per day (corresponding to roughly 75–250 mg of oleuropein).
The extract can be taken with food to reduce digestive irritation. Splitting the dose into two (morning and evening) is common practice.
Who should consider it
- Individuals focused on cardiovascular health
- People wanting to bring Mediterranean diet elements into their routine
- Those looking for plant-based antioxidant support
- People interested in supporting healthy blood pressure levels
- Those who do not regularly use olive oil
Consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement. This is especially important for people taking blood pressure or diabetes medications.
Frequently asked questions
Does consuming olive oil replace olive leaf extract? Olive oil also contains polyphenols, but in lower concentrations. Olive leaf extract provides more concentrated doses of oleuropein. They are complementary rather than substitutes.
Is olive leaf extract safe? At typical dosages, it is generally well tolerated. Some people report mild digestive discomfort. There is insufficient research in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Does it affect blood pressure? Some studies suggest a moderate effect on blood pressure. People taking blood pressure medications should always consult their doctor.
Is olive leaf extract suitable for vegans? Yes, it is entirely plant-derived. Check that the capsule shell is also plant-based.
How long before results are noticeable? Clinical studies have typically used olive leaf extract for 6–12 weeks. Effects may be subtle and require consistent use.
References
- Susalit E, Agus N, Effendi I, Tjandrawinata RR, Nofiarny D, Perrinjaquet-Moccetti T, Verbruggen M. (2011). Olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract effective in patients with stage-1 hypertension: comparison with Captopril. Phytomedicine, 18(4), 251-258.
- Lockyer S, Rowland I, Spencer JPE, Yaqoob P, Stonehouse W. (2017). Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers: a randomised controlled trial. European Journal of Nutrition, 56(4), 1421-1432.
- de Bock M, Derraik JG, Brennan CM, Biggs JB, Morgan PE, Hodgkinson SC, Hofman PL, Cutfield WS. (2013). Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf polyphenols improve insulin sensitivity in middle-aged overweight men. PLoS ONE, 8(3), e57622.
- Vogel P, Kasper Machado I, Garavaglia J, Zani VT, de Souza D, Morelo Dal Bosco S. (2015). Polyphenols benefits of olive leaf (Olea europaea L) to human health. Nutricion Hospitalaria, 31(3), 1427-1433.
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Disclaimer
A food supplement is not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
