Olive leaves come from the olive tree (Olea europae), a native of the Mediterranean. Although olives and olive oil are used as foods, olive leaf is primarily used medicinally or as a tea.
Laboratory studies indicate that olive leaf may be beneficial as an antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, or antioxidant. However, there is insufficient evidence in humans to support the use of olive leaf for any indication.
In the Middle East, olive leaf tea has been used for centuries to treat sore throat, coughs, fevers, high blood pressure, cystitis (bladder infection), and gout (foot inflammation), and to improve general health. Olive leaf poultices have been applied to the skin to treat dermatological conditions, such as boils, rashes, and warts.
Evidence
DISCLAIMER:
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Tradition
WARNING:
DISCLAIMER:
The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, boils, common cold, conjunctivitis (pink =eye), controlling blood pressure, coughs, cystitis (inflamed bladder), ear infections, eye infections, fever, gout (inflamed foot), herpes simplex-1 virus, high blood pressure, HIV/AIDS, impetigo (pus-filled blisters), influenza, mouth and throat infections, nose infection, parasites, rashes, skin conditions, sore throat, tonic, warts.
Dosing
Adults (18 years and older):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for olive leaf in adults.
Children (younger than 18 years):
There is no proven safe or effective dose for olive leaf in children.
Safety
DISCLAIMER:
Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.
Allergies
Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to olive, olive leaf (Olea europaea), its constituents, or related members of the Oleaceae family.
Side Effects and Warnings
There are very few reports of olive leaf and its adverse effects. There are currently no high quality studies available on the medicinal applications of olive leaf. Use cautiously in patients taking antiviral medications as olive leaf may have antiviral properties.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Olive leaf is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.
Interactions
Interactions with Drugs
Although not well studied in humans, olive leaf water extract may have antibacterial, antioxidant, or antifungal properties. Caution is advised when taking olive leaf and other antifungal, antioxidant, or antibacterial agents due to potential additive effects.
Based on preliminary study, olive leaf extracts may have antiviral effects, and may aid in inhibiting HIV-1 replication. Caution is advised when using olive leaf with antiviral agents or agents used for HIV.
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
Although not well studied in humans, olive leaf water extract may have antibacterial, antioxidant, or antifungal properties. Caution is advised when taking olive leaf and other antifungal, antioxidant, or antibacterial herbs or supplements due to potential additive effects.
Taking elderberry extract and olive leaf extract may reduce viral loads. Although the interaction may be a positive one, caution is advised in patients taking elderberry or other herbs with potential antiviral effects, due to additive effects.
Attribution
This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): J. Kathryn Bryan, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).
Bibliography
DISCLAIMER:
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.
Konlee M. A new triple combination therapy. Posit.Health News 1998;(No 17):12-14.
Lee-Huang S, Zhang L, Huang PL, et al. Anti-HIV activity of olive leaf extract (OLE) and modulation of host cell gene expression by HIV-1 infection and OLE treatment. Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 8-8-2003;307(4):1029-1037.
Markin D, Duek L, Berdicevsky, I. In vitro antimicrobial activity of olive leaves. Mycoses 2003;46(3-4):132-136.
O'Brien NM, Carpenter R, O'Callaghan YC. Et al. Modulatory effects of resveratrol, citroflavan-3-ol, and plant-derived extracts on oxidative stress in U937 cells. J Med Food 2006;9(2):187-195.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children,
never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
