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Heart/Weight/Inflammation

Olive Leaf Extract

Polyphenol-rich extract from olive leaves that may modestly lower blood pressure and improve markers of metabolic health in adults at cardiometabolic risk.

Olive Leaf Extract
54
score
B
evidence
Caution
risk

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Quick Take

Modest cardiometabolic benefits for prehypertensive or prediabetic adults; not a substitute for medication.

Olive leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the Olea europaea tree and is concentrated in polyphenols, particularly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. It exerts antioxidant and mild vasodilatory effects, primarily by inhibiting the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and reducing oxidative stress in vascular tissue. Randomized trials and meta-analyses suggest it can modestly lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure and may improve fasting glucose and lipid profiles in people with prehypertension or type 2 diabetes risk.

Potential benefits

01
Lowers blood pressure
02
May lower fasting glucose
03
May improve lipid profile
04
May reduce hs-CRP
05
May reduce oxidative stress

Protocol

Amount
500-1000 mg
Frequency
Once daily, or split into two doses
When
With meals to improve absorption of fat-soluble polyphenols and reduce stomach upset.

Onset Time

4-8 weeks for blood pressure and glucose changes; 12+ weeks for lipid shifts.

Who Should Consider

Adults with prehypertension
People with prediabetes or T2DM risk
Those with elevated cardiometabolic risk
Adults seeking antioxidant support

Food Sources

  • Extra virgin olive oil (hydroxytyrosol, oleuropein metabolites)
  • Olives and olive tapenade
  • Fresh olive leaves (not commonly eaten)

How It Works

Oleuropein and related polyphenols inhibit ACE activity, promoting vasodilation and reducing peripheral vascular resistance. They also scavenge free radicals and may reduce low-grade inflammation by lowering pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Additionally, olive leaf polyphenols appear to improve insulin sensitivity and pancreatic beta-cell function in glucose-metabolism studies.

Updated 5/19/2026

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