Olive leaf
Mediterranean leaf extract with RCT signal for modest blood pressure reduction, head-to-head non-inferiority to captopril.
Why
Olive leaf (Olea europaea) is a traditional Mediterranean remedy whose principal phenolic, oleuropein, has accumulated a clinical evidence base over the last 15 years. The Susalit RCT directly compared olive leaf extract with captopril for stage-1 hypertension and reported non-inferior blood pressure reductions over 8 weeks. Smaller bodies of work support lipid-modulating and antiviral effects, but the BP indication is the most robust.
How it works
Oleuropein is hydrolysed to hydroxytyrosol and elenolic acid in the gut. Hydroxytyrosol increases endothelial nitric oxide synthesis, has direct ACE-inhibitory activity, and modulates calcium channel function in vascular smooth muscle. Antioxidant effect protects LDL from oxidation.
Expected onset · BP effect emerges over 4–8 weeks
How to take
Dosage
Standardised extract: 500 mg twice daily (delivering ~20% oleuropein, ~100 mg/dose).
Timing
Twice daily with food
On the label
Standardised to oleuropein content (typically 16–20%). Named preparations: EFLA 943 (the extract used in the Susalit trial).
Ideal for
Adults with mild hypertension exploring botanical adjuncts; people drawn to Mediterranean-pattern eating.
Safety
Evidence
Susalit 2011 Phytomedicine RCT (n=232 stage-1 hypertension): olive leaf extract 500 mg twice daily was non-inferior to captopril 12.5–25 mg twice daily for systolic BP reduction over 8 weeks (-11.5 vs -13.7 mmHg). EFSA authorised an Article 14 health claim for olive polyphenols and protection of LDL particles from oxidative damage at ≥5 mg hydroxytyrosol per day.
- Susalit et al., Phytomedicine 2011, olive leaf extract (EFLA 943) vs captopril in stage-1 hypertension (RCT, n=232)
- Lockyer et al., Eur J Nutr 2017, impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on BP, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers (RCT)
- EFSA scientific opinion 2011, olive polyphenols and protection of LDL particles from oxidative damage (authorised health claim)
Where to get it
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