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Olive Water Extract

Also known as: Olive leaf extract, olive water extract, olive mill wastewater extract, OLE, Olea europaea Leaf Extract

Overview

Olive water extract, also known as olive leaf extract (OLE), is a concentrated aqueous extract derived from the leaves of the *Olea europaea* tree or from olive oil production by-products. It is rich in polyphenolic compounds, primarily oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, and tyrosol, which are responsible for its bioactive properties. This botanical extract is primarily used as a dietary supplement for its potential cardiovascular benefits, including supporting blood pressure regulation, improving lipid profiles, and providing antioxidant effects. It is also investigated for its anti-inflammatory and metabolic health benefits. The extract is characterized by its high antioxidant capacity and its ability to modulate cardiometabolic risk factors. Research on olive water extract is at a moderate maturity level, with several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and meta-analyses supporting its efficacy, although more large-scale, long-term studies are needed to fully establish its benefits and safety.

Benefits

Olive water extract offers several evidence-based benefits, particularly for cardiovascular and metabolic health. The most significant and consistently reported benefit is a reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in prehypertensive and hypertensive adults. Meta-analyses have shown clinically relevant decreases, typically around 5-7 mmHg for systolic blood pressure, comparable to mild antihypertensive interventions. This effect is supported by high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses of RCTs. Additionally, it has been shown to improve lipid profiles, with reductions in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, and some studies also report decreases in total cholesterol. These lipid improvements are moderate but contribute to overall cardiovascular risk reduction. Modest improvements in fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance markers have been observed in some trials, though these findings are less consistent. Anti-inflammatory effects, indicated by reductions in certain cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-alpha, have also been noted in some studies, but not uniformly. The benefits are most pronounced in adults with hypertension or metabolic syndrome risk factors, with effects typically observed after 8-12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

How it works

Olive water extract exerts its beneficial effects primarily through its rich polyphenol content, particularly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. These compounds possess potent antioxidant activity, which helps reduce oxidative stress throughout the body by scavenging free radicals and inhibiting enzymes involved in oxidative processes, such as NADPH oxidase. The extract also modulates endothelial function, leading to improved vasodilation and better blood flow, which contributes to its blood pressure-lowering effects. Furthermore, it inhibits the oxidation of LDL cholesterol, a key step in the development of atherosclerosis. Its anti-inflammatory properties are mediated by modulating inflammatory pathways and reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The extract's interaction with metabolic pathways may also contribute to improvements in glucose and insulin regulation. While absorbed, these polyphenols undergo metabolism, and their bioavailability can vary depending on the extract preparation.

Side effects

Olive water extract is generally well-tolerated, with no serious adverse events reported in randomized controlled trials. The most common side effect, reported occasionally, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects, occurring in 1-5% of users, include headache and dizziness in isolated cases. Rare side effects, occurring in less than 1% of users, include allergic reactions. Regarding drug interactions, caution is advised for individuals taking antihypertensive medications, as olive water extract may have additive blood pressure-lowering effects. It is important not to replace prescribed medications with olive water extract without medical supervision. Contraindications are not well-established due to limited data; however, caution is recommended during pregnancy and lactation due to a lack of specific safety studies in these populations. The safety of olive water extract has not been established in children or severely ill patients.

Dosage

The typical effective dosage of standardized olive water extract, often referred to as olive leaf extract, ranges from 500 mg to 1000 mg per day. Studies commonly use extracts standardized to a specific oleuropein content, often around 20%. For optimal results, this dosage is usually administered orally once or twice daily, preferably with meals to potentially improve bioavailability. While up to 1000 mg/day appears safe in short to medium-term studies, long-term safety data for higher doses are limited. There are no specific cofactors required for its efficacy, though synergistic effects with other antioxidants are possible. It is crucial to use standardized extracts to ensure consistent levels of active compounds. Individuals should consult a healthcare professional before starting supplementation, especially if they are on other medications or have underlying health conditions.

FAQs

Is olive water extract the same as olive leaf extract?

Olive water extract is similar to olive leaf extract, often referring to aqueous extracts from olive leaves or olive mill wastewater. The specific composition can vary depending on the source and extraction method.

How long before benefits appear?

Clinical effects, such as improvements in blood pressure and lipid profiles, generally become noticeable after 8-12 weeks of consistent daily use.

Can it replace blood pressure medication?

Olive water extract may support blood pressure management, but it should not replace prescribed antihypertensive medications without strict medical supervision from a healthcare professional.

Are there any known allergies?

Allergic reactions to olive water extract are rare, but as with any botanical product, they are possible. Discontinue use if an allergic reaction occurs.

Is it safe for long-term use?

Short-term use of olive water extract appears safe and well-tolerated. However, long-term safety data, especially beyond 6-12 months, are currently limited.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38287654/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs found that olive leaf extract significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides in adults with cardiometabolic risk factors. It concluded that olive leaf extract is a safe and effective supplement for improving cardiovascular health, though heterogeneity in extract standardization was noted.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9585795/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs investigated the effects of olive leaf extract on cardiometabolic risk factors. It reported significant decreases in triglycerides, total cholesterol, and LDL-C, but found no significant effect on fasting glucose or inflammatory markers. The study highlighted variability in designs and limited data on glycemic control.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10408398.2025.2453090 – This meta-analysis, cited within the provided research, focused on the effects of olive leaf extract on LDL-C and inflammatory markers in adults with hypertension or metabolic syndrome. It found that olive leaf extract lowered LDL-C and some inflammatory markers, but noted the small number of trials and sample sizes, suggesting a need for larger studies.
https://peerj.com/articles/11173/ – This study, likely a primary research article or review, contributes to the understanding of olive leaf extract's effects. While the specific findings are not detailed in the provided text, it is referenced in the context of supporting the benefits of olive leaf extract on blood pressure and lipid profiles, indicating its relevance to the overall evidence base.
https://scijournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jsfa.13451 – This source, likely a research paper, is cited in the context of olive water extract's benefits. Although specific findings are not detailed in the provided text, its inclusion suggests it provides evidence related to the efficacy or properties of olive water extract, contributing to the understanding of its health benefits.