Olive leaf extract is rich in oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol — polyphenols from the Mediterranean diet with evidence for blood pressure reduction, blood sugar management, and cardiovascular protection. Our research shows a 2017 RCT where olive leaf extract (500mg/day) reduced blood pressure by 11.5/4.8 mmHg over 8 weeks — comparable to captopril (ACE inhibitor). The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) authorized a health claim for hydroxytyrosol's protection against LDL oxidation. This is one of the more evidence-backed herbal supplements for cardiovascular health.
Oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol work through: (1) ACE inhibition — reducing angiotensin II production, lowering blood pressure through the same mechanism as captopril; (2) calcium channel blocking — vasodilation; (3) potent antioxidant activity — hydroxytyrosol has an ORAC (antioxidant capacity) value higher than vitamin C, CoQ10, or resveratrol; (4) AMPK activation — improving insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake; (5) antimicrobial — direct disruption of bacterial cell membranes. The cardiovascular protection is multi-modal, which is consistent with the Mediterranean diet's well-documented heart benefits.
Reviewed by the Scan Dose Research Team and Clinical Advisory Board | Last updated:
Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.