Research – Sicilian Olive Leaf Tea Company

Olive leaves, derived from the olive tree (Olea europaea), have been used in traditional medicine for centuries, particularly in the Mediterranean regions where the olive tree is native. The health benefits attributed to olive leaves are numerous and are primarily due to the presence of several bioactive compounds, with oleuropein being the most notable. Here’s an overview of the potential health benefits of olive leaves:

Antioxidant Properties: Olive leaves are rich in antioxidants, compounds that help protect the body from damage caused by free radicals. The antioxidant activity is mainly attributed to oleuropein, as well as other phenolic compounds found in the leaves. These antioxidants can help reduce oxidative stress, which is linked to various chronic diseases, including cancer and heart disease.
Cardiovascular Benefits: Consuming olive leaf extract may have several benefits for heart health. Studies suggest it can help lower high blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and improve blood circulation. These effects are beneficial in preventing heart disease and strokes.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The compounds in olive leaves have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body. Chronic inflammation is associated with many diseases, including arthritis, diabetes, and cancer. By reducing inflammation, olive leaf extract may help lower the risk of these conditions.
Antimicrobial Activity: Olive leaf extract has been shown to have antimicrobial properties against a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This can make it a useful natural remedy for infections.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Some research suggests that olive leaf extract may help in managing blood sugar levels, making it potentially beneficial for people with diabetes or at risk of developing diabetes. It may improve insulin sensitivity and help regulate blood glucose levels.
Immune System Support: Olive leaves contain compounds that can support the immune system, potentially helping the body to fend off illness and infection more effectively.
Neuroprotective Effects: There’s emerging evidence that olive leaf extract may have neuroprotective benefits, meaning it could help protect brain cells from damage. This is potentially beneficial in preventing or managing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.

While the health benefits of olive leaves are promising, it’s important to note that most of the research has been conducted in vitro (in test tubes) or in animal studies. More human clinical trials are needed to fully understand the extent of these benefits and the appropriate dosages. As with any supplement or natural health product, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional before adding olive leaf extract to your regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Effects of the Olive-Derived Polyphenol Oleuropein on Human Health

Olive leaf tea may have hematological health benefit over green tea

Olive leaves herbal tea effect in type 2 diabetic patients with prehypertension

Olive leaf tea is beneficial for lipid metabolism in adults with prediabetes: an exploratory randomized controlled trial

Effect of Supplementation with Olive Leaf Extract Enriched with Oleuropein on the Metabolome and Redox Status of Athletes’ Blood and Urine—A Metabolomic Approach

Assessment of Association Between the Potential Immunomodulatory Activity and Drinking Olive Leaf Tea in the Coronavirus Disease-2019 Pandemic: An Observational Study

Memorial Sloan Cancer Center
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/olive-leaf

Olive leaves contain a substance called oleuropein, which is thought to help reduce cholesterol levels and inflammation. Olive leaf extracts (OLE) also reduce glucose levels in the blood. Laboratory studies found that OLE can kill a number of microorganisms including yeasts, bacteria, and fungi. It was also shown to have anticancer effects, but human studies are needed.

To prevent or treat cancer
Laboratory results show possible benefit, but human studies have not been conducted.
To lower cholesterol
Animal studies have shown a possible effect. Human studies are lacking.
To reduce high blood pressure
Animal and human studies show that olive leaf extract can lower blood pressure.
To fight infections
Laboratory results show olive leaf extract to be effective against a variety of microorganisms.

Derived from the olive plant, both olive leaves and the extract have been used to treat infections, inflammation, diabetes, and hypertension. A major component of olive leaf, oleuropein, has been shown to have antioxidant ⁽¹⁾ and anti-inflammatory activity ⁽²³⁾. Because of its hypoglycemic effects, the leaf extract can induce insulin release and improve peripheral uptake of glucose ⁽²⁾. It also has antimicrobial ⁽³⁾⁽²²⁾, anti-HIV ⁽⁴⁾, and anticancer ⁽¹³⁾⁽¹⁴⁾⁽¹⁵⁾⁽¹⁸⁾⁽¹⁹⁾ properties. Animal studies showed antiarrhythmic, spasmolytic, diuretic ⁽⁵⁾, antihypertensive ⁽⁶⁾, analgesic ⁽²⁰⁾⁽²¹⁾, and cholesterol-lowering ⁽⁷⁾ effects.

Small studies suggest olive leaf extract may reduce blood pressure and have lipid-lowering effects ^(16)(17)(24). The anticanc

Small studies suggest olive leaf extract may reduce blood pressure and have lipid-lowering effects ⁽¹⁶⁾⁽¹⁷⁾⁽²⁴⁾. The anticancer effects of olive leaf extract in humans are not known.

Mechanism of Action

The cholesterol-lowering effects of olive leaf extracts (OLE) are thought to be due to oleuropein, a compound present in the leaves. Studies on hypercholesterolemic rats suggest that OLE is more effective than pure oleuropein at lowering cholesterol. This implies that a synergistic effect occurs between oleuropein and another substance within the leaf ⁽⁷⁾.

Oleuropein is converted into elenoic acid in the body which may prevent viruses and bacteria from replicating ⁽⁸⁾. The antihypertensive and vasodilating effects of olive leaf occurred independently of the integrity of the vascular endothelium ⁽⁹⁾. Constituents of olive leaf have been shown to strongly inhibit the complement system, although it is unknown what effect this has on the body ⁽¹⁰⁾.

Hypoglycemic activities of olive leaf are attributed to two mechanisms: potentiation of glucose-induced insulin release and increased peripheral uptake of glucose. Hypoglycemic activity is greater in samples collected in the winter months ⁽²⁾. OLE may prevent diabetic neuropathy by reducing glucose-induced apoptosis through the inhibition of neural caspase 3 activation ⁽²⁰⁾.

In vitro studies show that OLE has antimicrobial activities against E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, S. aureus, K. pneumoniae, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, Microsporum canis, T. rubrum, and Candida albicans ⁽³⁾ ⁽²²⁾. Anti-HIV properties of OLE include upregulation of the expression of apoptosis inhibitor proteins as well as protein kinase signaling molecules ⁽⁴⁾. OLE promotes cell differentiation ⁽¹⁸⁾ and induces DNA fragmentation leading to apoptosis in leukemia cell line ⁽¹⁹⁾.

More Research

Olive Leaf (Olea europaea L. folium): Potential Effects on Glycemia and Lipidemia – FullText – Annals of Nutrition and Metabolism 2020, Vol. 76, No. 1 – Karger Publishers

Effect of Olive Leaves Drying on the Content of Oleuropein

Oleuropein in Olive and its Pharmacological Effects

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