Olive Leaf Extract

Olives trees are subtropical evergreen trees native to the Mediterranean region and similar climactic areas. The fruit and the oil pressed from the fruit have been used as an important food source throughout recorded history. The olive leaf has also been used as a medicine throughout recorded history.

Olive Leaf Extract Antimicrobial propertiee

Research has demonstrated that olive leaf extract has antimicrobial properties that affect viruses, bacteria, fungus, yeast and protozoa. Some of the studies were done on calcium elenolate in vitro (in the laboratory). Calcium elenolate proved highly effective in the test tube but was deactivated by blood proteins when introduced into humans. Calcium elenolate is not a natural constituent of olive leaf extract. Quoting some of this research out of context has caused some confusion in the marketing claims made for olive leaf products.

There are several polyphenols in olive leaf and olive fruit that are biologically active. Many of the polyphenols are removed from the fruit and oil during processing because they impart a bitter taste. The polyphenol most researched with respect to olive leaf extract's therapeutic properties is oleuropein. The more oleuropein in a particular product, the more effective it is likely to be. Oleuropein is metabolized into elenolic acid by the digestive process. Elenolic acid in turn has demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial effects.

Most of the studies quoted apply to in vitro testing. Clinical trials of olive leaf extract in the treatment of particular diseases have not been done. It is, therefore, not an approved drug or treatment for any particular disease. Nevertheless, it has been widely used as a common treatment for numerous infectious conditions supported by favorable anecdotal information.

Some viruses inhibited by olive leaf extract in vitro include rhinovirus, myxoviruses, Herpes simplex type I, Herpes simplex type II, Herpes zoster, Encephalomyocarditis, Polio 1, 2, and 3, two strains of leukemia virus, many strains of influenza and para- influenza viruses.

The mechanism of action of the antiviral activity is reported to include:

• An ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses.


• An ability to contain viral infection and/or spread by inactivating viruses or by preventing virus shedding .


• Ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication.


• Neutralization of reverse transcriptase and protease in retroviruses.


• Stimulation of phagocytosis.

In in vitro testing, olive leaf extract has been reported to be an effective antimicrobial agent against over 50 pathogens, including Salmonella typhi, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Escherichia col. Oleuropein has also been reported to directly stimulate macrophage activation in laboratory studies.

Olive Leaf Extract in Protozoa Infections

Olive leaf extract has been traditionally used as a malaria treatment. Some of the old references claim that it is superior to quinine in effectiveness.

Olive Leaf Extract in Chronic Fatigue

As an antifungal and antiviral agent, olive leaf extract is currently used as a supportive agent in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It is hypothesized that the antimicrobial action of olive leaf extract enables it to kill infectious organisms that are believe to contribute to fatigue, low energy and chronic fatigue. There are many anecdotal reports of individuals experiencing an increase in energy and well being as a result of taking olive leaf extract.

Olive Leaf Extract and Bone Healt

An olive leaf extract was reported in a laboratory study to have vasodilating effects, seemingly independent of vascular endothelial integrity. As an antioxidant Oleuropein, has been reported to decrease the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and reduce the development of atherosclerosis. Olive leaf has also been reported to inhibit platelet aggregation and production of thromboxane A2 , angiotensin and converting enzymes. Thus, Oleuropein has anticlotting and anticoagulation properties.

Olive leaf extract has been reported to reduce blood pressure. One small human clinical trial has been performed with positive results.

Olive Leaf Extract and Bone Healt

French researchers have found that oleuropein, an olive leaf derived phenol stopped bone loss in an animal model of menopausal osteoporosis.

Other research has demonstrated that oleuropein has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is believed that these properties are responsible for the reduction in bone density loss that was observed by these researchers.

Olive Leaf Extract Precautions

Olive leaf extract will likely lower blood pressure. Therefore, anyone with hypotension or taking blood pressure lowering medications should consult their physician and use caution.

Olive leaf extract will likely lower blood sugar. Therefore, anyone with hypoglycemia or taking insulin or diabetic medications should consult their physician and use caution.

Olive leaf extract will likely reduce blood clotting. Therefore, anyone with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications should consult their physician and use caution.

Olive leaf extract may conflict with some antibiotics. Consult your physician and pharmacist before taking the two together.

Olive Leaf Extract Products

Here are some recommended Olive Leaf Extract Products.

Advanced Olive Leaf Vascular Support

Olive Leaf Extract References

Anti-Aging Nutrition News

Life Extension Health Protocols

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