Uses of Olive Leaf Extract

Properties

Olive leaf extract contains twice as many antioxidants as green tea. Its active components are the phytochemicals oleuropein, oleocanthal and hydroxytyrosol, which have potent antibacterial, antiviral, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects that also boost the body's immune system. These powerful phytochemicals halt the production of protease and reverse transcriptase, enzymes contained in viruses such as HIV that seek and destroy healthy cells.

Olive leaf extract has been shown to be effective in combating influenza, allergies, asthma, fungal infections of fingernails and toenails and yeast infections. It also can help lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels and reduce blood sugar levels in diabetics. Preliminary research shows promising results in treating conditions such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, meningitis, encephalitis, herpes, HIV/AIDS, psoriasis, shingles, leukemia and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV).

Some people experience adverse detox reactions such as fatigue, headaches, muscle and joint pain and rashes while taking olive leaf extract. These reactions are good signs because the liver, kidney, skin and intestines are eliminating toxins. Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day to flush the toxins out of your system. If these symptoms persist, reduce the extract dosage and/or see your health care provider. You can stop taking the extract for a while until your body adjusts.

If you're taking amino acid supplements in addition to those normally present in food or antibiotics made from yeast, olive leaf extract may reduce their effectiveness.

Be sure to read labels thoroughly. Some products don't contain enough active olive leaf extract to be beneficial or contain other additives such as gluten, starch and sugar. Make sure the supplement contains standardized extract of pure olive leaf.

If you are already taking blood pressure or diabetes medications, avoid olive leaf extract because it can further lower glucose and blood pressure to levels that are unsafe.

Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should consult their physicians before taking olive leaf extract.