Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea). It has been used as a traditional medicine for many years due to its variety of potential health benefits. Its main component, oleuropein, has been found to possess anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-stimulating properties. Here are some of its medicinal uses.
Helps Lower Blood Pressure
Olive leaf extract may help lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. In a 2017 study, results revealed that olive leaf extract had successfully lowered blood pressure. Lower blood pressure has been associated with a lowered risk of heart attack and stroke.
May Help Battle Inflammation
Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein which has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties. This can be beneficial for our health as inflammation is one of the major reasons behind physical and mental health issues.
Helps Improve Heart Health
One of the highest risk factors for heart diseases is atherosclerosis or narrowing of the arteries. This disease can be caused by high levels of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol. Experts believed that olive leaf extract may have positive effects on this condition.
In one animal study in 2015, researchers found that olive leaf had significantly decrease cholesterol levels in rats who took it for eight weeks.
Helpful In Preventing Diabetes
In a study, diabetic patients who took olive leaf extract have shown significant reductions in elevated LDL cholesterol blood sugar and Hemoglobin A1C. The study found that olive leaf extract was able to prevent the formation of advanced glycation end products (a compound that leads to diabetes).
May Help Treat Arthritis
Due to its oleuropein content, olive leaf extract may help prevent rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and may also be helpful in treating the pain and discomfort of both osteoarthritis and RA.
Helps Fight Viruses
Olive leaf extract possesses antiviral properties that can help treat certain viruses. It has been shown to effectively fight herpes, mononucleosis, and rotavirus, and it may also be useful against influenza and HIV.
Aids in Weight Loss
There were studies suggesting that olive leaf extract containing oleuropein may have the potential to reduce weight gain and lower the risk of obesity.
In a study from 2014, results showed that oleuropein supplementation reduced body weight and weight gain in mice that were consuming a high-fat diet.
Moreover, in a 2016 study, rats with obesity that were consuming a high-cholesterol diet were orally administered with oleuropein for 8 weeks had experienced a reduction in body weight, less fat tissue, and an improved metabolic profile.
