Olive Leaf Extract: What It Is, How It Works and Why It's Been Valued for Centuries
The olive tree is much more than a source of oil. Its leaves have been valued as a household remedy in the Mediterranean for generations – and modern research is beginning to understand why.
The Olive – More Than Just Oil
The olive tree (Olea europaea) has shaped the landscape of the Mediterranean for thousands of years. Everyone knows its fruits and its oil. What many people don't know: the silvery-green leaves were valued in Mediterranean folk medicine long before the oil.
In Italy, Greece and Spain, families have used olive leaves as a household remedy for generations – as a tea, as an infusion or as a concentrated extract. This is not a new trend, but a tradition that has endured for centuries.
The reason lies in a special active ingredient: Oleuropein. This bitter compound is found throughout the plant, but is significantly more concentrated in the leaves than in the oil or the fruits.
Benefits and Active Ingredients of Olive Leaf Extract
Research on olive leaves has increased in recent years. The focus is on Oleuropein – a polyphenol that is found in particularly high concentrations in the leaves of the olive tree.
Contributes to the maintenance of normal blood pressure.
EU Health Claim (On Hold)Contributes to the maintenance of normal blood sugar levels.
EU Health Claim (On Hold)Protects the body from oxidative damage.
EU Health Claim (On Hold)The main active ingredient in olive leaves – a polyphenol with antioxidant properties that is significantly more concentrated in the leaves than in olive oil.
In traditional Mediterranean folk medicine, olive leaves have also been valued in connection with liver function for generations. Scientific studies are investigating the role of oleuropein and other polyphenols from olive leaves in this area – the research is promising, but not yet complete.
Note: The EU Health Claims for olive leaves are currently in "On Hold" status – this means they have been neither rejected nor definitively approved. The stated benefits are based on submitted dossiers and traditional use.
How to Use and Dosage
The Daily Dose
2x daily, 10 drops – either pure under the tongue or diluted in water, juice or tea. Best taken with meals.
The Best Time of Day
Morning and evening, each with a meal. This distributes absorption evenly throughout the day. Many people take the drops at breakfast and dinner.
Duration of Use
Herbal extracts need time. Give the olive leaf extract at least 4-6 weeks before drawing conclusions. Many users report noticing a difference after a few weeks of regular use.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from light. The dark glass bottle protects the extract from light exposure. After opening, keep refrigerated.
What to Look For When Buying
Not all olive leaf extracts are created equal. There are significant quality differences:
- Extract ratio 1:1 (highest concentration)
- Traditional maceration (gentle extraction)
- Olive leaves from the Mediterranean
- Dark glass bottle (light protection)
- No artificial additives
- Extract ratio 1:5 or 1:10 (heavily diluted)
- Industrial rapid extraction
- Unclear origin of the leaves
- Plastic bottle (extract reacts with plastic)
- Artificial colours or preservatives
Tea vs. Extract vs. Capsules
| Form | Advantage | Disadvantage |
|---|---|---|
| Liquid Extract | Highest bioavailability, fast absorption | Contains alcohol (~30% vol.) |
| Capsules | Taste-neutral, easy dosing | Slower absorption, often lower concentration |
| Tea | Pleasant ritual, no alcohol | Lowest concentration, some active compounds are heat-sensitive |
A liquid extract at a 1:1 ratio, traditionally produced in Italy from Mediterranean olive leaves, is the most concentrated form – and is absorbed by the body most quickly. Discover our Olive Leaf Extract 1:1 – produced in Italy, distributed by the Gstrein family since 1989.
Want to Try It?
Our olive leaf extract is produced by a specialised laboratory in Italy – traditional maceration, 1:1 ratio, no additives. Available in 30 ml (to get started) and 100 ml (for regular use).
Discover the Olive Leaf ExtractAvailable from 30 ml · Shipped by the Gstrein family, since 1989
Sources and Further Reading
- Vogel, P. et al. (2015). "Polyphenols benefits of olive leaf (Olea europaea L.) to human health." Nutricion Hospitalaria, 31(3), 1427-1433.
- Lockyer, S. et al. (2017). "Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers." European Journal of Nutrition, 56(4), 1421-1432.
- EFSA – European Food Safety Authority: Health Claims Register, Olive leaf dossiers (On Hold Claims ID 3780, 3781, 3782).
Find out more about the product on our Olive Leaf Extract product page with details on origin, dosage and sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions about Olive Leaf Extract
What does olive leaf extract do?
Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein, a polyphenol with antioxidant properties. Health claims for olive leaves have been submitted to the EU – including contributions to normal blood pressure, normal blood sugar levels and protection against oxidative damage. These claims are currently in "On Hold" status – meaning they have been neither rejected nor definitively approved.
How do you take olive leaf extract?
2x daily, 10 drops, ideally with meals. You can place the drops pure under the tongue or dilute them in water, juice or tea. Sublingual administration (under the tongue) allows for particularly fast absorption through the oral mucosa.
Is olive leaf extract good for the liver?
In traditional Mediterranean folk medicine, olive leaves have been valued in connection with liver function for generations. Scientific studies are investigating the role of oleuropein and other polyphenols in this area. The research is promising, but not yet complete – there is currently no approved EU Health Claim for liver. Always consult a doctor if you have liver conditions.
What side effects does olive leaf extract have?
Olive leaf extract is a herbal product and is generally well tolerated. In rare cases, mild gastrointestinal discomfort may occur, particularly at the start of use. The extract contains approximately 30% alcohol – those who need to avoid alcohol should take this into account. During pregnancy, breastfeeding or when taking medication (especially blood pressure and diabetes medication), consult your doctor first.
Which is better: olive leaf tea or extract?
With tea, the leaves are simply infused with hot water – the concentration of active compounds is significantly lower. With an extract, the plant substances are dissolved from the leaves using alcohol and concentrated. A 1:1 extract means: for 1 kg of extract, 1 kg of fresh plant material is used. Cheaper extracts (1:5, 1:10) use significantly less material. In short: liquid extract 1:1 is the most concentrated and bioavailable form.
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