Olive Leaf Extract - Powerful Antioxidant
The benefits of the Mediterranean diet are promoted widely and have been proven to lead to a healthier lifestyle. The scientific research reveals the main reason for its health benefits is its richness in polyphenols which are very powerful antioxidants. Until recently many believed that olive oil is that secret food in the Mediterranean diet that slows aging and helps us fight diseases. And there is no doubt about the benefits of olive oil – it contains oleic acid – an omega-9 monounsaturated healthy fat with wide range of benefits. But the olive tree itself is a rich source of all kinds of beneficial plant compounds such as tocopherols, polyphenols, flavonoids and sterols.
And that is not all – scientists looked into something else that has been used for centuries for boosting the immune system – the Olive leaf. What was their surprise when they found out that olive leaf extract contains up to 40 times more polyphenols than even the freshest olive oil.
What is Olive leaf extract?
The olive leaf extract is the extract from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea). The leaf has been used medicinally in various times and places.
And that is not all – scientists looked into something else that has been used for centuries for boosting the immune system – the Olive leaf. What was their surprise when they found out that olive leaf extract contains up to 40 times more polyphenols than even the freshest olive oil.
What is Olive leaf extract?
The olive leaf extract is the extract from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea). The leaf has been used medicinally in various times and places.
Chemical Composition
Oleuropein chemical formula
The primary medical constituents contained in unprocessed olive leaf are believed to be the antioxidants oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, as well as several other polyphenols and flavonoids, including oleocanthal. Oleuropein was thought to give the olive tree its disease resistance.
Oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol have powerful antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro and give extra-virgin olive oil its bitter, pungent taste. Antioxidants are molecules that have the ability to inhibit the oxidation of other molecules. The oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. These free radicals can start a chain reaction in the cells which can cause damage and can lead to death. To fight free radicals, the body needs antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathione, etc. And here comes the best part – recent study found that Olive leaf complex is 400% more potent antioxidant than Vitamin C. The Oxygen Radical Absorbance capacity (ORAC) test measures the antioxidant capacity of foods against different free radicals. Here how olive leaf extract compares to other powerful antioxidants:
Oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol have powerful antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro and give extra-virgin olive oil its bitter, pungent taste. Antioxidants are molecules that have the ability to inhibit the oxidation of other molecules. The oxidation reactions can produce free radicals. These free radicals can start a chain reaction in the cells which can cause damage and can lead to death. To fight free radicals, the body needs antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, glutathione, etc. And here comes the best part – recent study found that Olive leaf complex is 400% more potent antioxidant than Vitamin C. The Oxygen Radical Absorbance capacity (ORAC) test measures the antioxidant capacity of foods against different free radicals. Here how olive leaf extract compares to other powerful antioxidants:
Benefits
The benefits of olive leaf extract have been well known in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries for centuries. Olive leaf extract is extremely rich in plant based antioxidants – the key components that help us live longer, stay younger and fight inflammation. Clinical evidence has proven that carefully extracted olive leaf extracts have also blood pressure lowering effects.
- Boosts Immune System – Olive leaf extract is a powerful antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Studies show that olive leaf extract is an immune system builder by directly stimulating phagocyte production (phagocytosis) - Phagocytosis is an immune system defense function. The cells called phagocytes ingest and kill invading organisms and cellular debris caused by tissue injury and dead cells.
- Antiviral and Antimicrobial Properties– Researchers determined that a primary ingredient in oleuropein - elenolic acid - inhibits the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Olive leaf's broad killing power includes an ability to interfere with critical amino acid production for viruses. It has the ability to contain viral infection by inactivating viruses by preventing virus shredding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane. Other studies suggest this compound has the ability to penetrate infected host cells and irreversibly inhibit viral replication. Olive Leaf Extractis a potent antimicrobial agent which has been reported to be very effective in reducing the total body viral load in HIV and AIDS patients. Olive leaf is commonly used to fight colds and flu, yeast infections, and viral infections such as the hard-to-treat Epstein-Barr disease, shingles and herpes.
- Anti- aging Properties – As a powerful antioxidant, olive leaf extract helps fight free radicals and the damage they can cause.
- Lowers Blood Pressure – Research found that olive leaf extract causes relaxation of the arterial walls and reduces hypertension. It also reduces blood sugar and blood levels of uric acid which when elevated are risk for heart disease. The powerful antioxidant effect of olive leaf extract also protects the heart and circulatory system from free radical damage.
- Anti-cancer Properties - Some recent research on the olive leaf has shown its antioxidants to be effective in treating some tumors and cancers such as liver, prostate, and breast cancer but the research on this is preliminary.
Olive leaf is especially potent when used in combination with other antioxidants. Olive leaf can be taken as a liquid concentrate, dried leaf tea, powder, or capsule. The leaf extracts can be taken in powder, liquid concentrate, or capsule form.
Precautions
As of now, no clinical trials have been conducted on the possible side effects of olive leaf extract on children and pregnant women. Hence, on a safety note, children, pregnant women and lactating mothers should not take this extract without medical supervision. Olive leaf extract is also not recommended for those who have low blood pressure and low blood glucose.
