The Powerful Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract and Oleuropein

Allison Sayre, MSN, WHNP-BC

Olive leaf extract, derived from the leaves of the Olea europaea tree, has long been valued for its wide-ranging health benefits. At the heart of this powerful extract is a key bioactive compound called oleuropein, a polyphenol known for its antioxidant activity and cardioprotective properties.* Emerging research suggests that both olive leaf extract and oleuropein exert positive effects on the cardiovascular system by mediating healthy blood pressure, lipid metabolism, and endothelial function.*[1], [2] But the benefits don’t stop there! There is growing evidence that olive leaf extract containing oleuropein supports the thyroid too, particularly in managing oxidation and thyroid function.* [3], [4]

In this article, we will explore the evidenced-based research around the benefits of olive leaf extract and oleuropein, and the positive impact they have on both cardiovascular and thyroid health.

The Cardiovascular Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract and Oleuropein

1. Healthy Blood Pressure*

A randomized, double-blind, controlled, crossover trial found that daily olive leaf extract supplementation containing 200 mg of oleuropein significantly affected both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.* The design of this study was particularly interesting as one arm of participants received a conventional agent. The benefits of olive leaf extract are theorized to result from its ability to support nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, which enhances endothelial-dependent vasodilation and supports arterial flexibility.*ⁱⁱ Additionally, olive leaf extract may have additional mechanisms common to healthy blood pressure regulation including effects on angiotensin converting enzyme and calcium channels.* ^{[2], [5]}

2. Lipoprotein (Lipid) Metabolism*

Olive leaf extract, and its powerful constituent oleuropein, influence lipoprotein metabolism.* In a randomized, controlled trial of 60 adult participants, daily olive leaf extract containing 136 mg oleuropein was evaluated for effects on lipid parameters over six weeks before being assigned to the crossover group with a four-week washout.*ⁱⁱ So, what is the physiology behind this metabolic effect? Olive leaf extract appears to affect the regulatory enzyme, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA (HMG-CoA) reductase, affect PPAR-α and PPAR-γ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), fatty acid synthase (FAS) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and expression of ABCA1 transporters. ^{[2], [5]}

3. Antioxidant Activity and Cell-Signaling*

Olive leaf extract and oleuropein have useful antioxidant properties and influence in cytokine activity.*ⁱ Olive leaf extract affects markers of oxidative stress while supporting endogenous antioxidant activity, including glutathione peroxidase.* Additionally, oleuropein affects nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) activation, which ultimately controls the release of cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6).* [6] These mechanisms have potential systemic effects.* ^[5]

4. Bonus Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract*

And the list of benefits just keeps going! Olive leaf extract with its active constituent oleuropein is thought to activate adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an enzyme that facilitates glucose uptake in cells.* [7] The evidence for what this means clinically is not fully clear, but it is worth our attention.^{[2], [5]}

The Thyroid Health Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract and Oleuropein*

Autophagy and Oxidative Stress*

So, we know that olive leaf extract has antioxidant activity that is capable of neutralizing free radicals.* But thyroid cells are also sensitive to oxidative stress. This extract supports autophagy too, an intracellular process that removes damaged proteins, organelles, and debris. This immune process may be especially relevant in thyroid health as the thyroid is highly metabolically active and generates a lot of cellular waste. The gut-thyroid axis may be a new target of clinical application for thyroid health.* ^[4] That is where autophagy comes in, as it aids in cleaning up the mess, thus further reducing oxidative stress and protecting the thyroid.* ^{[4], [5]}

Thyroid Function*

Emerging animal research is shedding light on the additional benefits of olive leaf extract and oleuropein in regard to thyroid health.* A systematic review of nine in vivo studies found that olive leaf extract stimulated thyroid activity. Even more intriguing, olive leaf extract appeared to enhance the conversion of T4 into the more biologically active T3 hormone.* ^[3]  We must exercise patience as science moves into evaluation of these mechanisms for humans and if it may be clinically relevant.

Conclusion

Olive leaf extract and its star compound, oleuropein, offer powerful benefits for both cardiovascular and thyroid health.* The potential role in modulating thyroid function highlights their broader physiological significance beyond what we thought we knew.* The evidence supporting its cardiovascular benefits is promising. The targeted daily dose is 136-200 mg of oleuropein in an olive leaf extract.

Disclaimer:

The information provided is for educational purposes only. Consult your physician or healthcare practitioner if you have specific questions before instituting any changes in your daily lifestyle including changes in diet, exercise, and supplement use.

Allison Sayre, MSN, WHNP specializes in women's health and functional medicine, blending both traditional and integrative approaches. With over 17 years of experience, she has empowered women to reclaim their health through personalized nutrition and supplementation, hormone balancing, and lifestyle modifications. She received her Bachelor of Science from Mount Carmel College of Nursing and her Master of Science from the University of Cincinnati. She has been a certified women’s health nurse practitioner since 2014 and has continued her education and training in functional medicine from both the Institute of Functional Medicine as well as the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine.