A valid opinion on the benefits of olive leaf extract

Olive leaf (Olea europaea) extract has been widely available as a food supplement since the mid-1990s. The leaf of the olive tree has a long history of traditional medicinal use in countries where the olive tree is native e.g. those of the Mediterranean and Middle East.
In recent times there has been considerable scientific research published on olive leaf extract, it's key ingredients, and it's health benefits. Researchers have shown that the key active ingredient in the olive leaf is a compound named oleuropein. Oleuropein has been found to be a potent antioxidant and is cardioprotective - meaning it protects the heart and blood vessels from being damaged by free radicals and oxidative stress. It has also been found that oleuropein dilates the blood vessels, reduces blood pressure, and improves blood flow in the coronary arteries.
Perhaps of most interest to those suffering from the illnesses covered on this site, and what olive leaf extract has become particularly well known for, is its antimicrobial action. An ingredient of oleuropein, elenolic acid, has been shown to strongly inhibit the growth of viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. It has been found to be effective against a large variety of pathogens including  influenza, common cold viruses, Candida and other fungal infections, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes I and II, human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) and 7 (HHV-7), shingles (Herpes zoster), and bacterial infections of the gastrointestinal tract, ears, urinary tract, and other areas of the body susceptible to infection when immunity is low.


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Editor reviews

As a chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) sufferer of 20 years, it makes a lot of sense to me to include olive leaf extract in my regular supplement regime. It has proven activity against the herpes family of viruses, many of which (e.g. EBV, HHV-6) have been shown time and time again to be present and active in a large proportion of ME/CFS patients. In addition olive leaf extract is antibacterial and antifungal and as any ME/CFS sufferer will tell you, bacterial and fungal infections, particularly in the gut in the form of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and Candida/fungal overgrowth, are a common and stubborn complication of the immune dysfunction which we experience.

Olive leaf extract then is a great all-rounder that directly tackles all types of chronic infections that can be involved in chronic fatigue syndrome. On top of that it is a potent antioxidant (ME/CFS is associated with antioxidant depletion and oxidative stress) and is also much more affordable than many other supplements and medications, particularly antivirals and immunomodulators.

My own personal experience confirms to me that olive leaf extract is indeed effective against intestinal fungal and bacterial overgrowth, based on tell-tale die-off symptoms and repeat stool analyses. Its effect on viruses is harder to confirm and quantify. All I can say is that my illness began with a recurrent viral infection (glandular fever initially suspected) and I do experience an appreciable increase in energy and decrease in fatigue when taking olive leaf extract.

Supplements do vary widely in quality so it is best to look for those that state that they have been standardised to contain >15% oleuropein.

Overall rating		9.4
Perceived Effectiveness		9.0
Lack of side effects (tolerability)		8.0
Ease of use		10.0
Value for money		10.0
Would you recommend?		10.0

Reviewed by Maff April 06, 2011
Last updated: April 06, 2011
#1 Reviewer  -   View all my reviews (106)

Good for chronic fatigue syndrome infections

As a chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) sufferer of 20 years, it makes a lot of sense to me to include olive leaf extract in my regular supplement regime. It has proven activity against the herpes family of viruses, many of which (e.g. EBV, HHV-6) have been shown time and time again to be present and active in a large proportion of ME/CFS patients. In addition olive leaf extract is antibacterial and antifungal and as any ME/CFS sufferer will tell you, bacterial and fungal infections, particularly in the gut in the form of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and Candida/fungal overgrowth, are a common and stubborn complication of the immune dysfunction which we experience.

Olive leaf extract then is a great all-rounder that directly tackles all types of chronic infections that can be involved in chronic fatigue syndrome. On top of that it is a potent antioxidant (ME/CFS is associated with antioxidant depletion and oxidative stress) and is also much more affordable than many other supplements and medications, particularly antivirals and immunomodulators.

My own personal experience confirms to me that olive leaf extract is indeed effective against intestinal fungal and bacterial overgrowth, based on tell-tale die-off symptoms and repeat stool analyses. Its effect on viruses is harder to confirm and quantify. All I can say is that my illness began with a recurrent viral infection (glandular fever initially suspected) and I do experience an appreciable increase in energy and decrease in fatigue when taking olive leaf extract.

Supplements do vary widely in quality so it is best to look for those that state that they have been standardised to contain >15% oleuropein.