While olive leaf extract is generally considered safe, it may interact with some medications.
People who are taking blood pressure or diabetes medications should speak to their healthcare provider before taking this supplement.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract has long been part of traditional medicine.
In addition to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, oleuropein is said to have anti-cancer, antibacterial, andantiviraleffects.
Below is a look at some of the stronger research surrounding olive leaf extract and its uses.
Although this study was small, it supports other animal and test tube research findings.
That said, olive leaf extract does not substitute standard medical treatment for diabetes.
Always follow your healthcare provider’s guidance on how to properly manage and treat any health condition.
The review examined five clinical trials including 325 people 1880 years old.
The results suggested olive leaf extract may help reduce systolic blood pressure, low-density lipoprotein, and inflammatory biomarkers.
However, the study involved a limited number of participants.
Despite these results, the subject requires more large-scale human trials.
Helps Protect Against Viral Infections
Olive leaf extract is also thought to have antiviral properties.
However, this research has been limited to cell cultures and only small human trials.
Young athletes are especially susceptible toupper respiratory infections.
In light of theCOVID-19pandemic, researchers have looked at olive leaf extract’s potential role in fighting the virus.
What Are the Side Effects of Olive Leaf Extract?
Although rare, it is possible to experience side effects from taking olive leaf extract.
These side effects may be common or severe.
Common Side Effects
Side effects associated with olive leaf extract are not well documented.
But there is some concern that olive leaf extract may trigger reactions.
Severe Side Effects
Some people may develop an allergy to olive leaf extract.
These plants include:
Your healthcare provider can help you navigate any present or potential allergies.
Be sure to stop using olive leaf extract if you experience an allergic reaction to it.
Precautions
Olive leaf extract may interact with certain medications.
Someoncologists (cancer specialists)believe it could prevent drugs from killing cancer cells.
But some research suggests it may be beneficial while also curbing some of the side effects of cancer therapy.
More research is needed.
We do not know if olive leaf extract is safe to take duringpregnancyorlactation.
Because of this, you should limit or avoid using olive leaf extract during these life stages.
Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about using olive leaf extract in children because research remains limited.
Dosage
There is no standardized dose for olive leaf extract.
Olive leaf extract may or may not need to be taken with food.
Can Olive Leaf Extract Be Taken Long Term?
Little is known about the long-term use of olive leaf extract.
This is because long-term human studies of olive leaf extract do not exist.
Talk with your healthcare provider about proper dosage as well as how long you should take it.
Food Sources
Olive leaf extract is not naturally found in foods.
Whenever possible, a food-first approach to getting the nutrients your body needs is recommended.
This is because your body can typically absorb nutrients found in foods better than those found in supplements.
Supplements
Olive leaf extract supplements come in capsules, soft gels, powders, and tinctures.
Many olive leaf extract supplements are naturally vegan, but some capsules may be made from gelatin.
Gelatin comes from cows or pigs and is not vegan.
Summary
Olive leaf extract comes from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea).
Its active compound oleuropein is thought to contain antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Side effects associated with olive leaf extract are rare and mild, but allergies are possible.
Always talk with your healthcare provider before taking any new supplement.
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