Olive Leaf

Olive Leaf is used for diabetes. It is thought to be an antioxidant.

Olive Leaf Overview

Reviewed: July 29, 2014
Updated: 

Olive leaf is the leaf of the olive plant.

Olive leaf is used most often for diabetes, infections, and as an antioxidant.

Olive leaf is thought to work in several different ways, but more evidence is needed to determine how olive leaf produces its effects. Recently, the medicinal properties of olive products have focused on its polyphenols (particularly oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol), which according to animal and in vitro studies have antioxidant, blood sugar lowering, blood pressure lowering, antimicrobial, and anti-atherosclerotic properties. Polyphenols are found in most edible plants, and are reportedly responsible for the health benefits associated with the consumption of chocolate, coffee, green tea, and red wine.

There are no reports of significant side effects with olive leaf.

Olive leaf is used most often for diabetes, high blood pressure, infections, and as an antioxidant.

Olive leaf has not been proven effective for all of the uses listed above. Olive leaf may be used for other conditions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Side Effects of Olive Leaf

There are no reports of significant side effects with olive leaf. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Olive Leaf Interactions

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially tell your doctor if you take:

  • Blood pressure medications
  • Diabetes medications

This is not a complete list of olive leaf drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Olive Leaf Precautions

Special precautions & warnings:

  • Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using olive leaf if you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or trying to become pregnant.