Skip to main content
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Evidence-Based Supplement Research
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Olive

What does the research say about Olive?

2 health outcomes synthesised

Research on olive leaf extract (OLE) has examined its effects on two health outcomes: quality of life and triglyceride levels. The strongest evidence, based on three studies, points to a moderate effect on reducing triglyceride levels in adults with elevated cardiovascular risk and postmenopausal women, typically at doses of 250–1000 mg/day over 8–12 weeks. Evidence for improved quality of life is weaker and limited to small, beneficial effects in postmenopausal women and adults with gastrointestinal discomfort.

Strongest evidence: Olive leaf extract has been studied for reducing triglyceride levels, where all three available studies reported beneficial effects, with two reaching statistical significance and effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. The evidence strength is low, but it represents the most consistently positive finding. Doses in these studies ranged from 250 to 1000 mg/day, with benefits typically observed after 8–12 weeks of supplementation.

Mixed or weaker evidence: For improved quality of life, the evidence is also low strength, with two of three studies showing small beneficial effects and one showing neutral effects. One study in adults with mildly elevated blood pressure found no significant change, suggesting benefit may vary by population. All studies were short-term (8–12 weeks), so longer-term effects remain unknown.

Effective dose patterns: Across both outcomes, effective doses converged in the range of 250–400 mg/day, though the triglyceride studies extended up to 1000 mg/day. The median study duration for positive effects was 84 days (12 weeks) for both outcomes.

Population insights: The most studied populations were postmenopausal women aged 47–70 years and adults with mildly to moderately elevated blood pressure or gastrointestinal discomfort. No evidence exists for younger, healthy, or deficient populations.

Notable caveats: Both evidence bases are small (only 3 studies each), so all conclusions should be considered preliminary. The triglyceride findings are subject to potential publication bias, as null results are less likely to be published. No harmful effects were reported in any study, but long-term safety and efficacy data are absent.

Frequently asked

  • What is olive leaf extract good for according to research?
    Research has examined olive leaf extract for two health outcomes: reducing triglyceride levels and improving quality of life. All three available studies on triglycerides reported beneficial effects, with two showing statistically significant reductions. For quality of life, two of three studies reported small beneficial effects, while one was neutral.
  • What dose of olive leaf extract is typically used in studies?
    Doses studied ranged from 250 mg/day to 1000 mg/day, with a common effective range of 250–400 mg/day for both outcomes. The median study duration was 84 days (12 weeks). Effects were typically observed after 8–12 weeks of supplementation.
  • Who benefits most from olive leaf extract according to research?
    The studied populations include postmenopausal women aged 47–70 years, adults with mildly to moderately elevated blood pressure, and adults with gastrointestinal discomfort. No research was found on younger, healthy, or nutrient-deficient populations, so benefit in these groups is unknown.
  • Are there caveats or limitations in the research on olive leaf extract?
    Yes. Both evidence bases are small, with only three studies for each outcome, so all conclusions are preliminary. The triglyceride findings may be affected by publication bias, as null-result studies are less likely to be published. All studies were short-term (8–12 weeks), so longer-term effects and safety are unknown. One quality-of-life study found no benefit in adults with mildly elevated blood pressure, suggesting effects may vary by population.
  • Does olive leaf extract help with reducing triglyceride levels?
    All three available studies reported beneficial effects of olive leaf extract on reducing triglyceride levels, with two showing statistically significant reductions and effect sizes ranging from small to moderate. Doses ranged from 250 to 1000 mg/day, with effects typically seen after 12 weeks. The evidence is low strength due to the small number of studies and potential publication bias.
  • Does olive leaf extract improve quality of life?
    Two of three studies reported small beneficial effects on quality of life, both statistically significant, while one study found neutral effects. The positive studies involved postmenopausal women and adults with gastrointestinal discomfort. However, one study in adults with mildly elevated blood pressure found no improvement, suggesting the benefit may not be universal.

Safety profile

3 studies reporting safety data

Across 3 clinical studies, no specific adverse events were quantitatively reported for olive extract. The substance was described as well tolerated in all three studies, with no product-related serious adverse events noted.

Caveats: Limited evidence base; absence of reports does not establish safety. Studies were likely small or not primarily designed for safety assessment.

  • Olive Life

    By Comvita

    4.7 (69 reviews)
    In Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $49.99
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Olive Leaf Extract

    By Seagate

    4.5 (127 reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $50.03
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Immune Defense

    By Zahler

    4.9 (18 reviews)
    In Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $32.47
    		In
    Vitacost
    $32.47
    		In
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Olive Leaf Extract

    By Sunergetic

    4.7 (47 reviews)
    In Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $21.95
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • EuroHerbs

    By California Gold Nutrition

    4.7 (6.1K reviews)
    Out of Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $24.56
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out

  • Olive Leaf

    By Gaia Herbs

    4.8 (1.1K reviews)
    In Stock
    Available From
    Available From
    MerchantPriceStockAction
    Amazon
    $-
    		Out
    iHerb
    $45.10
    		In
    Vitacost
    $-
    		Out
    Vitamin Shoppe
    $-
    		Out
Back to top