Last verified: 171 days ago
Olive Leaf Extract
Also known as: OLE, Olea europaea leaf extract, oleuropein, olive polyphenols
Evidence under review. — Not yet rated
Plant extract with solid evidence for lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol in adults with hypertension.
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What it does
Olive leaf extract (OLE) comes from the leaves of the olive tree and is rich in a polyphenol called oleuropein. Multiple randomized controlled trials show it meaningfully lowers systolic blood...
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Evidence quality
Evidence base hasn't been formally rated yet. See research below.
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Clinical dose
250-1000 mg/day based on clinical trials
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Found in
What the Science Says
Olive leaf extract (OLE) comes from the leaves of the olive tree and is rich in a polyphenol called oleuropein. Multiple randomized controlled trials show it meaningfully lowers systolic blood pressure (by roughly 5–6 mmHg) and improves cholesterol, triglycerides, blood glucose, and markers of inflammation in people with hypertension or obesity. At doses of 250–1000 mg per day over 8–12 weeks, it also appears to reduce oxidative stress, and early research suggests it may support muscle energy metabolism in older adults, though strength and fatigue outcomes were not improved.
What It Doesn't Do
Won't replace blood pressure medication — it's an adjunct, not a cure. No solid evidence it builds muscle or improves athletic performance. Skin anti-aging claims are very preliminary with no statistically significant systemic effects found. No proven benefit for cancer treatment in humans — lab and animal data only. Not a weight-loss supplement on its own.
Evidence-Based Benefits
Olive leaf extract demonstrates moderate evidence for reducing systolic blood pressure (−6.4 mmHg vs placebo, PMID: 40990594) and improving lipid profiles including reductions in total cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides (PMID: 41935461). It also reduces oxidative stress markers such as malondialdehyde in obese women on calorie-restricted diets (PMID: 40685267), and chronic supplementation increases skeletal muscle pyruvate dehydrogenase activity in older males, though without measurable improvements in strength or whole-body metabolism (PMID: 39993475).
Moderate EvidenceEffective at: 250–1000 mg/day based on clinical trials
Source: auto-research
Absorption & Bioavailability
Moderate — plasma oleuropein metabolites are detectable after supplementation, confirming absorption, but bioavailability varies by formulation and individual gut metabolism.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Most blood pressure studies are short-term (8–12 weeks); long-term safety data are limited.
- OLE may interact with antihypertensive medications — combining them could lower blood pressure too much.
- Some studies combine OLE with other ingredients (e.g., potassium), making it hard to isolate OLE's effects alone.
- Animal and in vitro anti-cancer findings are being marketed to consumers despite zero clinical evidence in humans.
- Dose and oleuropein content vary widely between products — standardization is not guaranteed.
Products Containing Olive Leaf Extract
See how Olive Leaf Extract is used in these analyzed products:
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Olive Leaf Extract do?
Plant extract with solid evidence for lowering blood pressure and improving cholesterol in adults with hypertension.
What is the effective dose of Olive Leaf Extract?
250-1000 mg/day based on clinical trials
Is Olive Leaf Extract safe?
Most blood pressure studies are short-term (8–12 weeks); long-term safety data are limited.
What doesn't Olive Leaf Extract do?
Won't replace blood pressure medication — it's an adjunct, not a cure.
Research Sources
- PubMed
- NIH DSLD
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement regimen. Last updated: 2026-04-06