Olive leaf extract is a product extracted from olive leaves.Olive Leaf Extract is a natural ingredient extracted from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea) and is rich in a variety of bioactive substances (such as oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, flavonoids, etc.)
The main effects of olive leaf extract
Olive leaf extract because of its rich bioactive ingredients olivin, hydroxytyrosol, etc., the following are its main effects.
1.Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
Oleuropein (Oleuropein) is a major polyphenol compound that can neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and may have a relieving effect on chronic inflammation (such as arthritis). It has strong antioxidant, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Commonly used formula: grape seed extract (proanthocyanidins) + olive leaf extract: double antioxidant, cardiovascular protection.
2.Cardiovascular health
It may help regulate hypertension by dilating blood vessels and improving endothelial function. Lowering LDL (bad cholesterol) and raising HDL (good cholesterol) can regulate blood lipid regulation. Anti-arteriosclerosis, inhibit vascular wall inflammation, delay plaque formation.
Common formula: fish oil (Omega-3) + olive leaf extract: synergistically reduce blood lipids, anti-inflammatory.
Coenzyme Q10 + olive leaf extract: improve myocardial energy metabolism.
3.Immune support and anti-infection
On E. coli, influenza virus and other pathogens have a certain inhibitory effect, or can reduce cold symptoms. At the same time stimulate the activity of immune cells, enhance immunity, enhance the body's defense.
4.Blood glucose regulation
Improve insulin sensitivity, reduce postprandial blood sugar peak, suitable for pre-diabetic population assisted management, but need to be combined with drug treatment.
5.Neuroprotective potential
Olive leaf extract hydroxytyrosol can reduce beta-amyloid sink, can delay the progression of neurodegenerative disease Alzheimer's disease.
Side effect of olive leaf extract
Although olive leaf extract is relatively safe, improper use may still cause side effects, especially in high doses or special populations.
1.Gastrointestinal discomfort
If taken on an empty stomach or in high doses, nausea, diarrhea, and bloating may occur.
Improvement: Take with meals, or lower the dose (such as increasing gradually from 250mg daily).
2.Headache/dizziness
Early users of hypertension may be associated with a rapid drop in blood pressure, resulting in dizziness or headaches.
Improvement measures: Monitor blood pressure to avoid overuse with antihypertensive drugs.
3.Feeling of fatigue
Excessive antioxidant may interfere with normal cellular REDOX signaling (rare).
Improvement measures: Reduce the dose or take it in separate doses.
4.Hypoglycemia risk
People with diabetes who use hypoglycemic drugs (such as insulin and metformin) in combination may experience sweating, heart palpitations, and confusion.
Recommended preventive measures: Under the guidance of a doctor, regular monitoring of blood sugar and adjustment of drug dosage are required.
5.The immune system is overactivated
Patients with the autoimmune disease lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, may aggravate the inflammatory response or induce disease activity, such patients should not use this product.
6.Bleeding tendency
Inhibit platelet aggregation, if it is 2 weeks before surgery, during the period of taking anticoagulant (warfarin), please inform your doctor in advance and stop using.
Taboo of special groups
1. Pregnant and lactating women, lack of safety studies, may affect fetal development or transmission through milk, strictly avoid use.
2.For children under 12 years of age, it is not recommended to take unless prescribed by a doctor.
3. Patients with liver and kidney dysfunction will have increased metabolic burden, which may increase liver enzymes. Consult a doctor before use and regularly test liver and kidney function.
4. Drug interaction, if taking antihypertensive, hypoglycemic, need to real-time monitoring of blood pressure and blood sugar changes. In particular, when taking cyclosporine and glucocorticoids, it is necessary to prohibit the use of olive leaf extract products.
Safe use recommendations
Side effects of olive leaf extract are usually mild and manageable, starting at 250mg daily, observed for 1-2 weeks without discomfort and then gradually increased. It is recommended to stop taking it for 1 month after every 3 months to reduce the cumulative risk. However, the combination of special populations and drugs needs to be cautious. It is recommended that first-time users start with a low dose and use under the guidance of a doctor or dietitian, especially for chronic patients.
Reference
1.The Journal of Nutrition, 2010, 140(5): 946-953.Olive leaf extract attenuates cardiac, hepatic, and metabolic changes in high carbohydrate-, high fat-fed rats
2.Archives of Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology, 2009, 60(1): 13-22.Effect of olive leaf extract on hepatic oxidative stress in rats exposed to cadmium
3. Journal of Investigational Allergology and Clinical Immunology, 2015, 25(1): 68-69.Anaphylaxis induced by olive leaf extract
4.Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to olive leaf extract (2011).
5.Antioxidants, 2022, 11(3): 579. Therapeutic Potential of Olive Leaf Extract in Cardiovascular Diseases