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

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

score

evidence

Caution

risk

Proven Benefits

01Lowers blood pressure

02May lower fasting glucose

03May improve lipid profile

04May reduce hs-CRP

05May reduce oxidative stress

Chemical Forms

Recommended

Standardized olive leaf extract (oleuropein 20%)
Olive leaf extract (hydroxytyrosol standardized)

Avoid

Whole leaf powder (low polyphenol concentration)
Unspecified 'olive leaf' without standardization

Expert Note

Standardized extracts ensure clinically relevant doses of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, the primary active polyphenols. Whole leaf powders often contain insufficient active compounds to match doses used in trials. Look for products specifying oleuropein content (typically 6-20%).

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.

Condition-Based Dosing

Prehypertension (SBP 120-139 mmHg)

500-1000 mg daily for 8-12 weeks— Monitor BP; effects are modest and should complement lifestyle changes.

Prediabetes or elevated fasting glucose

500-1000 mg daily for 12+ weeks— Do not replace diabetes medication; monitor glucose closely.

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit

1000 mg/day is commonly studied; no official UL established. Doses above 1000 mg lack long-term safety data.

Cycling

Safe for continuous use

Contraindications

Hypotension or on antihypertensive drugs — risk of excessive blood pressure lowering

Diabetes medications — potential additive hypoglycemic effect

Pregnancy and breastfeeding — insufficient safety data

Synergies

Omega-3

Omega-3 and olive polyphenols both support endothelial function and may have additive effects on triglycerides and inflammation.

CoQ10

Both support cardiovascular function; CoQ10 addresses mitochondrial energy while olive leaf targets vascular tone and oxidative stress.

Avoid Combining With

✕Blood pressure medications (additive hypotensive effect — monitor closely)
✕Insulin or sulfonylureas (may enhance hypoglycemia — monitor glucose)
✕Iron supplements (polyphenols can inhibit non-heme iron absorption — separate by 2+ hours)

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