The prescription medication atorvastatin, commonly known as the brand Lipitor, decreases the amount of cholesterol in the blood. Olive leaf extract, in contrast, is an herbal remedy claimed as having benefits for the cardiovascular system. Clinical research is limited on the effectiveness of olive leaf extract for any health conditions, but animal studies indicate that it also has cholesterol-lowering properties, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking olive leaf extract or combining it with any medications.
Lipitor
Doctors prescribe Lipitor to use along with diet, exercise and weight loss to lower high cholesterol levels. Lowering high cholesterol reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup and hardening of cholesterol and other fats on the interior blood vessel walls that can decrease blood flow to the heart. That reduced blood flow can eventually result in a stroke or heart attack.
Olive Leaf Extract
Derived from the leaves of Olea europaea, olive leaf extract shows promise for healthy effects on the cardiovascular system. Small studies with humans have found that olive leaf extract lowers blood pressure in people with hypertension, according to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Animal research indicates that olive leaf not only has cholesterol-lowering effects, but it also has antiarrhythmic and diuretic properties.
Function
A chemical compound in olive leaf extract known as oleuropein may be responsible for the cholesterol-lowering effects, reports the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. However, animal studies indicate that olive leaf extract is more effective at reducing cholesterol than pure oleuropein is, suggesting that another chemical in the leaf is important as well. As for Lipitor, atorvastatin inhibits cholesterol production in the liver. It also increases the number of receptors in the liver for low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, cholesterol, known as the "bad" cholesterol. This lowers blood cholesterol by increasing cholesterol uptake in the liver and also increasing the breakdown of cholesterol by the liver.
Interactions
Lipitor drug labeling does not list any interactions with olive leaf extract. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Drugs.com also do not note an interaction between the two. This indicates you may be able to safely take both, but consult your doctor before doing so. Lipitor does interact with numerous other medications and substances, such as other cholesterol medicine, heart medications, antifungal agents, birth control pills, antacids and grapefruit juice.
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