Health benefits related to olive leaves are extensive and date back to ancient times. Egyptians used them to preserve the bodies of pharaohs; the British used them to treat malaria in the 1800’s. Interest in olive leaves have only increased since then. Furthermore, their beneficial properties are still being discovered.
Traditional uses for olive leaves include:
- Energy support
- Cardiovascular support (including blood pressure)
- Immune support
One molecule responsible for its beneficial capabilities is Oleuropein. Oleuropein has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cardioprotective effects. Under high temperatures or light exposure, it decomposes into hydroxytyrosol. Hydroxytyrosol also demonstrated cardioprotective, antioxidant, and neuroprotective effects. Oleuropein and Hydroxytyrosol are two of several molecules that give olive leaves their therapeutic characteristics. It was recommended to consume the extract in its entirety because of the synergetic effects of its compounds.
In addition to those mentioned, olive leaf extract showed to possess antimicrobial properties. An antimicrobial is destructive to or inhibits the growth of microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. The antimicrobial mechanism of the constituents of olive leaf extract is not well understood. But it showed to slow the growth of harmful microorganisms and cause damage to pathogenic cells. In research, it killed 99% of H. Pylori and Staphylococcus aureus. It also inhibited the growth of E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. This is crucial because those specific bacteria are pathogenic, meaning they can cause disease.
*These statements have not been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Speak with your physician before supplementing.
Borjan D, Leitgeb M, Knez Ž, Hrnčič MK. Microbiological and Antioxidant Activity of Phenolic Compounds in Olive Leaf Extract. Molecules. 2020 Dec 15;25(24):5946. doi: 10.3390/molecules25245946. PMID: 33334001; PMCID: PMC7765412.
