Mediterranean and Middle Eastern countries have used olive leaf extract---a natural, medicinal treatment derived from the leaves of the olive tree---for a variety of reasons for centuries. Now, olive leaf extract (OLE, olea europaea) is gaining acceptance in the medical community, as studies, such as those conducted at Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular at Universidad Miguel Hernández in Spain, prove the extract's merits.
High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol
Hypertension increases the risk factors for many conditions, including stroke, heart failure and atherosclerosis, says wisegeek.com; therefore is best avoided at all costs. Good news comes in the form of a study published in Phytotherapy Research, which says EFLA®943 capsules containing a 500 mg or 1,000 mg dose of olive leaf extract have anti-hypertensive properties, particularly when the 1,000 mg dose is given in cases of borderline hypertension. Likewise, the study---conducted by researchers in Switzerland and Germany---says taking 1,000 mg daily helps lower cholesterol.
Acne
Ronald Hoffman, M.D., CNS, notes olive leaf extract carries antibacterial, anti-fungal and antiviral properties, making it a valuable part of a skin care regimen, especially when acne and rosacea are concerns. Taking at least one 500 mg capsule daily is recommended for adults.
Anti-Microbial Agent
As concerns about antibiotic-resistant bacteria increase, researchers are continuing to look into the role olive leaf extract plays as an antiviral agent. According to chiroweb.com, it remains somewhat unclear how the benefits are achieved, though there is speculation that it may activate the immune defense, interfere with the amino acid production that viruses need to thrive and penetrate infected host cells while inhibiting viral replication.
Inactivating Invading Viruses
Olive leaf extract has long been thought to possess an ability to stop certain viruses---including many forms of influenza---dead in their tracks, as evidenced by a study published in the Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy in 1969. The reason is the presence of calcium elenolate. Among the other viruses it's thought to inactivate include smallpox, malaria and Epstein-Barr virus.
Other Benefits
According to nutritional-supplement-truths.com, olive leaf extract may help inhibit HIV activity, act as a digestive aid, improve circulation and prevent muscle spasms while reducing the effects of chronic fatigue syndrome.
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