Olive Leaf Extract’s active component is a phenolic compound known as oleuropein. Oleuropein (pronounced oh-lee-or-oh-pin) is a bitter substance that scientists have isolated from the olive leaf. It was found to be part of a compound produced by olive trees that make them particularly vigorous and resistant to insect and bacterial damage.
Oleuropein’s antimicrobial activity occurs when it breaks down in the body to elolenic acid. The elolenic acid interacts with a target pathogen at a receptor, as a key interacts with a lock. The elolenic acid interferes with the replication process of most pathogens. Once the extract begins to affect the pathogens, the immune system may renew itself to do its job to protect the body from disease.
You can’t cold process olive leaf extract and pull out all the necessary phytochemicals to make it synergistic. Many of the other phytochemicals are also fungicidal or bactericidal. The preparation of the extract requires careful processing in order to maintain full activity. This also makes the product more expensive. There continues to be controversy between companies claiming that their product is better than others, so you should use a reputable brand. Some companies challenge the idea that a higher percentage of active ingredient (typically in the range of 6-12%) is more effective.
Olive Leaf Extract may be effective against viruses, retroviruses, some bacteria, parasites, yeasts, protozoan and some skin fungi like tinea versicolor.
Some people experience what is known as a Herxheimer reaction or “die-off” when taking olive leaf extract in large doses. This is a detoxification reaction. If you experience greater fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, muscle/joint aches or flu-like symptoms, temporarily discontinue taking olive leaf extract or cut back on the amount taken until the symptoms subside. This effect is not commonly seen when starting with a low dose.
A person with a known bacterial or yeast infection, should start taking the olive leaf extract slowly. Perhaps 1 capsule twice a day for 3 days and then 3 times per day with meals. If a person is doing well then increase the dosage so that you’re taking at least 4 – 6 capsules (500mg) per day.
It is important to take lots of water during this time to ensure organism breakdown products don’t accumulate in the kidneys.
Olive Leaf Extract can help with the following
Arrhythmias/Dysrhythmias
European researchers have reported that olive leaf extract could increase blood flow in the coronary arteries and relieve arrhythmias. There is some testimonial evidence in support of this claim.
Fungal Skin / Nail Infection
There are many testimonials that toe nail or finger nail fungus respond to olive leaf extract over time.
Warts
Olive leaf extract has been reported to help.
Key
| May do some good |
| Likely to help |
Glossary
Antimicrobial
Tending to destroy microbes, hinder their multiplication or growth.
Immune System
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation.
Phytochemicals
Substances that occur naturally in plants and have been shown in research to possibly prevent or cure disease.
Synergistic
Having the property that the total combined effect of two or more factors exceeds the sum of their individual effects.
Virus
Any of a vast group of minute structures composed of a protein coat and a core of DNA and/or RNA that reproduces in the cells of the infected host. Capable of infecting all animals and plants, causing devastating disease in immunocompromised individuals. Viruses are not affected by antibiotics, and are completely dependent upon the cells of the infected host for the ability to reproduce.
Bacteria
Microscopic germs. Some bacteria are "harmful" and can cause disease, while other "friendly" bacteria protect the body from harmful invading organisms.
Parasite
An organism living in or on another organism.
Protozoan
(Plural: Protozoa) Any one of a large group of one-celled (unicellular) animals, including amoebas. They are microorganisms that differ from bacteria in that they are larger and possess a nucleus surrounded by a membrane. Several species of protozoa can be transmitted through water and cause disease in humans, including Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Entamoeba and Isospora. One distinguishing characteristic of protozoa is that when released from the human body through feces they are present in an encysted (dormant) form. These cysts have a protective layer that surrounds them and keeps chemicals from penetrating them. Therefore, chlorine disinfection does not kill the protozoan cysts.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Yeast
A single-cell organism that may cause infection in the mouth, vagina, gastrointestinal tract, and any or all bodily parts. Common yeast infections include candidiasis and thrush.
Milligram
(mg): 1/1,000 of a gram by weight.