Olilve
Also known as: Olive leaf extract (OLE), oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, olive leaf polyphenols, Olea europaea L. leaf extract
Overview
Olive leaf extract (OLE) is a botanical supplement derived from the leaves of the olive tree, Olea europaea L. It is rich in polyphenolic compounds, primarily oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol, which are responsible for its purported health benefits. OLE is primarily utilized for its potential to support cardiovascular health, including improving lipid profiles, reducing blood pressure, and modulating glucose metabolism. It is also recognized for its significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Research on OLE is moderately mature, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy, particularly in managing hypertension and dyslipidemia. While generally considered safe for short-term use, ongoing research aims to establish long-term effects and optimal dosing strategies.
Benefits
Olive leaf extract (OLE) has demonstrated several evidence-based benefits, particularly for cardiovascular health. Meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate significant reductions in triglycerides (TG), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), especially in hypertensive and normal-weight individuals. These effects are considered clinically significant, though effect sizes can vary. For instance, one meta-analysis reported improved lipid profiles and blood pressure reductions with OLE supplementation. While effects on fasting blood glucose (FBG) are inconsistent, some evidence suggests improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Additionally, OLE may exert anti-inflammatory effects, although this area requires more consistent research. Preliminary findings also hint at potential benefits for bone, joint, and cognitive health, but these require further confirmation. The most pronounced benefits are observed in individuals with hypertension and those with a normal body mass index (BMI). Most studies showing benefits have been conducted over 6 to 12 weeks, with longer-term effects still needing establishment.
How it works
Olive leaf extract (OLE) exerts its effects primarily through its rich content of polyphenols, particularly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. These compounds act as potent antioxidants, reducing oxidative stress throughout the body. OLE also modulates lipid metabolism, contributing to improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Its blood pressure-lowering effects are partly attributed to vasodilation, likely mediated by nitric oxide pathways. Furthermore, OLE exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by regulating cytokine production and other inflammatory markers. These actions collectively interact with the cardiovascular system to regulate blood pressure and lipid profiles, the metabolic system to influence glucose homeostasis, and the immune system to modulate inflammatory responses. Oleuropein is metabolized to hydroxytyrosol, which is more bioavailable and contributes significantly to the observed biological activities.
Side effects
Olive leaf extract is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used at doses up to approximately 1000 mg/day in clinical trials. The most commonly reported side effect, though infrequent, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. No consistently reported uncommon or rare side effects have been observed in randomized controlled trials, and no serious adverse events have been documented. However, caution is advised regarding potential drug interactions. OLE may have additive hypotensive effects when taken concurrently with blood pressure medications, potentially leading to excessively low blood pressure; therefore, individuals on such medications should consult a healthcare professional. Contraindications include pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of sufficient safety data in these populations. Furthermore, the effects and safety of OLE in children and individuals with severe medical conditions have not been well-studied, warranting caution in these groups.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of olive leaf extract (OLE) appears to be around 500 mg/day, particularly when standardized for oleuropein content. Optimal dosage ranges commonly used in clinical trials are between 500 mg/day and 1000 mg/day. While doses up to 1000 mg/day have been shown to be safe in short-term studies (up to 12 weeks), the long-term safety of higher doses is not yet established. Dosing is often split, with twice-daily administration being common in trials, though there is no strong evidence favoring a specific timing. For consistent efficacy, it is recommended to use standardized extracts with quantified amounts of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. Absorption may be enhanced when OLE is taken with food, and the specific formulation can influence its bioavailability. No specific cofactors are identified as necessary for OLE's efficacy.
FAQs
Is olive leaf extract safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety data for olive leaf extract are limited. While short-term use up to 12 weeks is generally considered safe, more research is needed to confirm its safety over extended periods.
Can it replace blood pressure or cholesterol medications?
Olive leaf extract may support healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, but it should not replace prescribed medications. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your medication regimen.
How soon can benefits be expected?
Some individuals may observe improvements in blood pressure and lipid profiles within 6 to 12 weeks of consistent olive leaf extract supplementation, based on clinical trial data.
Does olive leaf extract work better than isolated compounds like oleuropein?
The whole olive leaf extract may offer synergistic effects due to its complex blend of compounds. However, direct comparative studies between whole extract and isolated compounds are currently lacking.
Are there any contraindications?
Caution is advised if you are taking hypotensive drugs due to potential additive effects. There is limited data on safety during pregnancy and lactation, so it's best to avoid use in these cases.
Research Sources
- https://peerj.com/articles/11173/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 RCTs found that olive leaf extract significantly reduced LDL-C, triglycerides, and systolic blood pressure, improving the overall lipid profile in adults with prehypertension/hypertension. The study highlighted heterogeneity and moderate risk of bias in included trials.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9585795/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs demonstrated significant reductions in triglycerides, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, total cholesterol, and LDL-C with olive leaf extract supplementation, particularly in hypertensive and normal-weight adults. It noted heterogeneity and some studies with moderate/high bias.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11428715/ – This systematic review of 12 RCTs reported mixed but encouraging effects of olive leaf extract on cardiovascular risk factors, bone, and cognitive health. The review highlighted variability in dosing and outcomes, emphasizing the need for further research to confirm these broader benefits.