Olive Leaf Extract Lowers Blood Pressure, Improves Cardiovascular Health, Fights Diabetes, Improves Brain Function, and Boosts the Immune System. Olive leaves were first eaten in ancient Egypt, and the use of olive leaf extracts has increased over time. Legend has it that Athena, the goddess of wisdom, threw her spear at a rock to create an olive tree full of fruit, thus defeating Poseidon, the god of the sea. The olive tree is a symbol of peace, friendship, abundance and light, and is known as the "tree of life".
In the early 1800s, crushed olive leaves were added to drinks to reduce fever. Decades later, olive leaves were used in the form of tea to treat malaria. Also in Moroccan medicine, olive leaves are believed to stabilize blood sugar and control the progression of diabetes. Its effect depends mainly on the potential bioactive substances contained in olive leaves. Olive leaves contain many bioactive compounds such as iridoids, flavonoids, and triterpenes. These substances may provide health benefits through cell signaling pathways and antioxidant effects.
Olive leaves are rich in phenolic compounds such as oleuropein, luteolin, caffeic acid, quercetin, etc., and have a wide range of pharmacological activities, which can be reflected in the effects of anti-oxidation, protection of the heart, brain, liver, kidney and other organs. It lowers blood pressure and blood sugar, while improving autoimmune-induced inflammation, and has antibacterial, antiviral, and antitumor effects.
Olive Leaf Extract Uses
1. Applied to food processing
In countries bordering the Mediterranean, olive leaves are used as a common food and dietary supplement to treat diseases. Modern phytotherapy uses olive leaves to lower blood pressure and act as a diuretic.
2. Applied to food storage and preservation
Olive leaf extract can also be used for the storage and preservation of food and agricultural products.