HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Olive Leaf
Uses
Parts Used & Where Grown
Olive is a small evergreen tree native to Mediterranean regions. The characteristic green to blue-black fruit of this tree yields a useful, edible oil. Both the oil and the dried green-grayish colored leaves are used medicinally.1 , 2
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Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.
For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.
3 Stars Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2 Stars Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1 Star For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.
This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:
| Used for | Why |
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2 Stars
Hypertension
Refer to label instructions
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Olive leaf has been used traditionally to treat people with hypertension. In animal studies a constituent of olive leaf has decreased blood pressure and dilated arteries surrounding the heart when given by injection.
In animal studies oleuropein, one of the constituents of Reference olive leaf, has decreased blood pressure and dilated arteries surrounding the heart, when given by injection or intravenously.5 Olive leaf has been used traditionally to treat people with hypertension,6 In a double-blind trial, the blood pressure-lowering effect of an extract of olive leaf was nearly as great as that of captopril, a drug used to treat hypertension. The olive leaf extract used in the study was EFLA 943, and the amount given was 500 mg twice a day for 8 weeks.7 |
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1 Star
Infection
Refer to label instructions
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Olive leaf is an herb that directly attack microbes.
Herbs that directly attack microbes include the following: Reference chaparral, Reference eucalyptus, Reference garlic, Reference green tea, Reference lemon balm (antiviral), Reference lomatium, Reference myrrh, Reference olive leaf, Reference onion, Reference oregano, Reference pau d’arco (antifungal), Reference rosemary, Reference sage, Reference sandalwood, Reference St. John’s wort, Reference tea tree oil, Reference thyme, and Reference usnea. |
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1 Star
Type 1 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions
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Olive leaf extracts have been used experimentally to lower high blood sugar in diabetic animals
Olive leaf extracts have been used experimentally to lower elevated blood-sugar levels in diabetic animals.8 These results have not been reproduced in human clinical trials.
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1 Star
Type 2 Diabetes
Refer to label instructions
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Olive leaf extracts have been used experimentally to lower high blood sugar in diabetic animals.
Olive leaf extracts have been used experimentally to lower elevated blood-sugar levels in diabetic animals.9 These results have not been reproduced in human clinical trials.
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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)
The olive tree has been held in high esteem throughout history. Moses reportedly decreed that men who cultivated the leaf be exempt from serving in the army. The oil is symbolic of purity and goodness, while the olive branch represents peace and prosperity. Winners in the Greek Olympic games were crowned with a wreath of olive leaves.3 Historically, medicinal use of olive leaf has been for treatment of fevers and for the topical treatment of Reference wounds or Reference infection. As a poultice, it was also used by herbalists to treat skin rashes and boils.4
How It Works
How It Works
Olive leaf has a wide number of constituents, including oleuropein and several types of Reference flavonoids (e.g., rutin, apigenin, luteolin).10 While olive leaf is traditionally associated with a wide number of medicinal claims, few of these have been verified by experimental study. In an animal study oleuropein (when given by injection or in intravenous form) was found to decrease blood pressure (e.g., systolic and diastolic) and dilate the coronary arteries surrounding the heart.11 This ability to lower blood pressure may justify the traditional use of olive leaf in the treatment of mild to moderate Reference hypertension.12 However, human studies are needed to clearly establish olive leaf as a potential treatment for high blood pressure.
In addition, a test tube study has revealed that oleuropein inhibits the oxidation of LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. LDL oxidation is one part in a series of damaging events that, if left unchecked, can lead to the development of atherosclerosis.13 This action may provide one clue as to why those consuming a Mediterranean-based diet may lower their risk of developing Reference atherosclerosis.
Oleuropein from olives may also have antibacterial properties. When unheated olives are brined to preserve them, oleuropein is converted into another chemical called elenolic acid. Elenolic acid has shown antibacterial actions against several species of Lactobacilli and Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilus in a test tube study.14 Whether or not the oleuropein in the leaf undergoes such a transformation is open to question at this point, raising some question as to its antibacterial effects and potential use for this purpose in humans.
Olive leaf extracts have been employed experimentally to lower elevated blood-sugar levels in animals with diabetes.15 These results have not been reproduced in human clinical trials and as such, no clear conclusions can be made from this animal study in the treatment of Reference diabetes.
How to Use It
The effective amount of olive leaf for human use is not established. To make a tea, steep 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of dried leaves in 1 cup (250 ml) of hot water for 10–15 minutes.16 Dried leaf extracts containing 6–15% oleuropein are available commercially, but no standard amount has been established.
Interactions
Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds
Interactions with Medicines
Side Effects
The safety of olive leaf has not been established in Reference pregnancy. Olive leaf can be irritating to the stomach lining and should be taken with meals.17
Related Information
References
1. Wren RC. Potter’s New Cyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. Essex, England: CW Daniel Co., 1985, 204.
2. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Paris, France: Technique & Documentation-Lavoisier, 1995, 487–9.
3. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal, vol II. New York: Dover Publications, 1982, 598.
4. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998, 148–9.
5. Petkov V, Manolov P. Pharmacological analysis of the iridoid oleuropein. Arzneimittelforschung 1972;22:1476–86.
6. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: AB Arcancum, 1988, 160–1.
7. Susalit E, Agus N, Effendi I, et al. Olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract effective in patients with stage-1 hypertension: comparison with Captopril. Phytomedicine 2011;18:251–4.
8. Peirce A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: William Morrow and Co., 1999, 469–71.
9. Peirce A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: William Morrow and Co., 1999, 469–71.
10. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Paris, France: Technique & Documentation-Lavoisier, 1995, 487–9.
11. Petkov V, Manolov P. Pharmacological analysis of the iridoid oleuropein. Arzneim Forsch/Drug Research 1972;22:1476–86.
12. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: AB Arcancum, 1988, 160–1.
13. Visioli F, Galli C. Oleuropein protects low density lipoprotein from oxidation. Life Sciences 1994;55:1965–71.
14. Fleming HP, Walter WM, Etchells JL. Antimicrobial properties of oleuropein and products of its hydrolysis from green olives. Applied Microbiol 1973;26:777–82.
15. Peirce A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: William Morrow and Co., 1999, 469–71.
16. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998, 148–9.
17. Petkov V, Manolov P. Pharmacological analysis of the iridoid oleuropein. Arzneim Forsch/Drug Research 1972;22:1476–86.
Last Review: 11-07-2012
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