Olive Leaf

Botanical name: Olea europa

Parts used and 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

Olive leaf has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or 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 wounds or infection. As a poultice, it was also used by herbalists to treat skin rashes and boils.⁴

Active constituents

Olive leaf has a wide number of constituents, including oleuropein and several types of flavonoids (e.g., rutin, apigenin, luteolin).⁵ 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.⁶ This ability to lower blood pressure may justify the traditional use of olive leaf in the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension.⁷ 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.⁸ This action may provide one clue as to why those consuming a Mediterranean-based diet may lower their risk of developing 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.⁹ 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.¹⁰ 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 diabetes.

How much is usually taken?

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.¹¹ Dried leaf extracts containing 6–15% oleuropein are available commercially, but no standard amount has been established.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

The safety of olive leaf has not been established in pregnancy. Olive leaf can be irritating to the stomach lining and should be taken with meals.¹²

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with olive leaf.

References
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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. Bruneton J. Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry, Medicinal Plants. Paris, France: Technique & Documentation-Lavoisier, 1995, 487–9.

6. Petkov V, Manolov P. Pharmacological analysis of the iridoid oleuropein. Arzneim Forsch/Drug Research 1972;22:1476–86.

7. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: AB Arcancum, 1988, 160–1.

8. Visioli F, Galli C. Oleuropein protects low density lipoprotein from oxidation. Life Sciences 1994;55:1965–71.

9. Fleming HP, Walter WM, Etchells JL. Antimicrobial properties of oleuropein and products of its hydrolysis from green olives. Applied Microbiol 1973;26:777–82.

10. Peirce A. Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: William Morrow and Co., 1999, 469–71.

11. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998, 148–9.

12. Petkov V, Manolov P. Pharmacological analysis of the iridoid oleuropein. Arzneim Forsch/Drug Research 1972;22:1476–86.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.