Dosage
Trials commonly use olive leaf extract supplying 100 mg to 200 mg of oleuropein per day. Take with food. Ask your healthcare provider before regular use if you take blood pressure or blood sugar medicine.
Ingredient guide
Olive Leaf Extract (Oleuropein): Blood Pressure Evidence
Olive leaf extract contains oleuropein, a polyphenol from olive trees. A meta-analysis of 12 studies in 819 participants supports a 3.86 mmHg reduction in systolic blood pressure. A 2025 multicenter RCT in 621 people supports a 6.4 mmHg 24-hour systolic drop.
Moderate evidenceBenefits
- Meta-analysis shows a 3.86 mmHg drop in systolic blood pressure.
- Large 2025 RCT in 621 people showed a 6.4 mmHg reduction in 24-hour systolic pressure.
- Acts as an antioxidant via oleuropein, a polyphenol unique to olives.
Evidence summary
What olive leaf extract is
Olive leaf extract is made from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea). The main active compound is oleuropein, a polyphenol that gives the leaves their characteristic bitter taste. It is the most concentrated form of olive polyphenols outside of high-quality extra virgin olive oil.
What the human research shows
A 2016 randomised crossover trial of 60 pre-hypertensive males using 136 mg of oleuropein daily for 6 weeks showed significant reductions in daytime and 24-hour blood pressure. A 2022 meta-analysis of 12 studies in 819 participants found a 3.86 mmHg drop in systolic pressure. A 2025 multicenter RCT in 621 people confirmed a 6.4 mmHg 24-hour systolic reduction. We grade the evidence as moderate for blood pressure.
Dosage & safety
Side effects
- Generally well tolerated.
- Most common are mild stomach upset and headache.
Interactions
- Olive leaf may add to the effect of blood pressure medicine.
- It may add to the blood-sugar-lowering effect of diabetes medicine.
Warnings
- Speak with a doctor or pharmacist before regular olive leaf use if you take blood pressure or blood sugar medicine, since effects may add together.
- Tell your provider you take it before any planned surgery.
Products with this ingredient
Related ingredient guides
Citations
- Phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure: RCT pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Olive leaf extract on cardiovascular risk factors: SR and meta-analysis of RCTs pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Frequently asked questions
Does olive leaf lower blood pressure?
Yes, modestly. Meta-analyses and a large 2025 RCT show systolic reductions of 4 to 6 mmHg with extracts supplying 100 to 200 mg of oleuropein per day.
Is olive leaf safe with medicines?
It may add to blood pressure and blood sugar medicine effects. Check with a doctor or pharmacist before regular use.