An extract of olive tree leaves, rich in oleuropein.
Why it’s used: Traditionally used to support immune and heart health.
Olive leaf extract is made from the leaves of the olive tree, Olea europaea, the same tree that gives us olives and olive oil. Olive trees have been cultivated around the Mediterranean for thousands of years, and their silvery-green leaves have their own long history in folk tradition, often brewed as a bitter tea.
Olive leaves are traditionally used to support immune and heart health. Their main compound of interest is oleuropein, a bitter polyphenol that is also responsible for the bitterness of fresh, uncured olives. Researchers have studied olive leaf extract in small trials, including on blood pressure, and a systematic review found the evidence promising but limited. It has no authorised health claim.
On labels you will see olive leaf extract, Olea europaea leaf extract, or extracts standardised to a percentage of oleuropein, such as 20%. That percentage is the most useful figure for comparing products. Olive leaf extract is different from olive fruit extract and olive oil, which are richer in hydroxytyrosol.
3 findings behind this ingredient. Hover a card for the detail and the source.
Meta-analysis of 3 trials (248 adults with prehypertension or hypertension). Systolic pressure fell 6.0 mmHg overall; at 1,000 mg a day, falls were 11.5 mmHg systolic and 4.7 mmHg diastolic.
Meta-analysis of 5 randomised trials (325 adults). 500 mg a day for at least 8 weeks cut systolic pressure by 5.8 mmHg versus placebo and lowered IL-6, IL-8 and TNF-α; other comparisons showed no difference.
Double-blind crossover trial in 60 pre-hypertensive men taking extract (136 mg oleuropein) or control daily for 6 weeks. 24-hour systolic pressure fell 3.3 mmHg, LDL 0.19 mmol/L and triglycerides 0.18 mmol/L.
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Oleuropein is the main polyphenol in olive leaves and the compound that makes fresh olives so bitter before they are cured. Olive leaf extracts are often standardised to a percentage of oleuropein, which helps compare one product with another.
No. Olive oil is pressed from the fruit and contains polyphenols such as hydroxytyrosol in small amounts. Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves and is concentrated in oleuropein. They come from the same tree but have different compositions.
Check with your GP or pharmacist first. Olive leaf extract has been studied for its effects on blood pressure, so it may add to the effect of blood pressure medicines. Your doctor may want to monitor your readings if you take both.
Information only, not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your GP or pharmacist first.
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