5 Olive Leaf Extract Benefits, According to RDs

What is olive leaf extract—and can it improve your health?

Fact checked by Haley Mades

The Mediterranean diet has long been upheld as a healthy way to eat, promoting longevity and helping to lower the risk of various diseases. Olive oil, for example, has been a staple of this diet and is often touted for its vast health benefits, including its healthy monounsaturated fat content and antioxidants. It's no surprise, then, that research is turning to another part of the olive tree: the olive leaf. We spoke with RDs to explore the olive leaf extract benefits, how to use it, and potential side effects.

Meet Our Expert

Kimberly Glenn, MS, RDN, LD, is a provider in Georgia.

Stacey Wiesenthal, MS, RD, is based in Michigan.

What Is Olive Leaf Extract?

The leaf of the olive tree contains a healthy amount of oleuropein (the same beneficial compound found in olive oil). In fact, "olive leaves are the richest source of olive phenolic compounds," says Glenn. These compounds are typically extracted from the leaves of the olive tree to make it more friendly to consume, leaving us with olive leaf extract.

Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract

Research suggests that olive leaf extract may have numerous health benefits. Here are five encouraging findings to know about.

Always consult your doctor or health care provider before taking new medications, trying a new food plan, or adding anything new to your system.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Some of the most prominent studies show that olive leaf extract can help lower blood pressure in those with mild to moderate hypertension. There have been several different animal and human studies touting its use.

However, it should be noted that olive leaf extract may exacerbate low blood pressure in people whose blood pressure is already lower than average, and it could also interfere with medicines taken for lowering blood pressure.

Lowers Blood Glucose Levels

A promising study showed that olive leaf extract could have a valuable impact on adults with Type II diabetes. "When taking olive leaf extract twice a day for 14 weeks, they had lower fasting blood glucose than the placebo group," explains Wiesenthal.

Improves Cardiovascular Health

Lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels already support cardiovascular health, but the extract may have additional cardiovascular benefits. "Olive leaf extract is high in antioxidants, reduces triglycerides and cholesterol levels, improves lipids, and is anti-inflammatory," Glenn says.

An encouraging study in rats showed olive leaf extract keeping high cholesterol levels at bay, indicating that it may help with atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in arteries. Another study in rats also showed that the polyphenols in olive leaf extract, such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, reduced chronic inflammation and oxidative stress, which can lead to cardiovascular disease and other chronic problems.

Provides Neuroprotective Properties

Consuming olive leaf extract may help our brain health, too. "There are bioactive compounds of olive leaves—like flavonoids, oleuropein, and flavone luteolin-7-glucoside—that have attracted interest and which show promise in possible antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and neuroprotective properties," shares Glenn. That's all the good stuff we need to protect our brain and other parts of our body.

Food plans like the Mediterranean diet have often been touted as something to follow to protect against neurological diseases like Alzheimer's. Similar impacts have been seen for Parkinson's disease as well.

"Test tube and animal studies show the anti-inflammatory properties in olive leaf extract could play a role in protecting the brain from Alzheimer's," says Wiesenthal, but adds that "more research needs to be done on humans."

Contains Anti-Cancer Elements

Olive leaf extract is filled with antioxidants that "...protect the cells in our bodies against DNA damage caused by stresses we encounter every day," Glenn explains. Those same antioxidants may help reduce the risk of or fight cancer.

"[A] test tube/animal study found that its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties have also been shown to fight the growth of breast, colorectal, pancreatic, prostate, and leukemia cells," Wiesenthal says. Again, more human research is needed to confirm these findings.

How to Use Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract often comes in supplement form, either as a tincture, tea, or powder. You can use it in various ways, including:

• Drink as a tea. If consumed in tea form, Glenn recommends using fresh leaves instead of dry (if possible) for added health benefits. You can brew hot or iced tea from the extract.

• Add to food. The powder form can be added to anything from smoothies to pancakes. Try integrating it into your breakfast oatmeal, your favorite creamy tomato soup, or a dessert fruit smoothie.

• Take a capsule. Olive oil extract can be purchased in capsule form. Follow directions on the package when taking, and as always, speak to a health care provider before adding supplements or medication to your regimen.

Tips

Wiesenthal recommends keeping olive oil in your kitchen for cooking and eating as a preferred way to increase the oleuropein intake instead of cooking with olive leaf extract.

Dosage

Research shows that adding 500 to 1,000 milligrams of olive leaf extract to your balanced diet is optimal for benefiting from its health perks. However, Glenn adds that "dosage can be tricky" since the extract is technically a dietary supplement not regulated by the FDA.

Potential Side Effects of Olive Leaf Extract

Glenn notes that too much olive oil extract may have harmful side effects like an upset stomach, diarrhea, and dizziness. Additionally, some people may experience an allergic reaction due to the pollen from the olive trees. Other considerations include:

Interactions With Medicines

Make sure to consult your doctor before adding olive oil extract to your diet plan, as it can impact some prescription drugs. Of particular note are medications for kidney disease and lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Pregnancy

There is not enough research or data to know if taking olive oil extract is safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult with your healthcare provider if you're pregnant or considering getting pregnant.

Related: The 4 Healthiest Reasons to Start Drizzling Olive Oil on Everything

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