Many major health claims are being made about olive leaf extract, but since they involve unverified clinical trials we prefer not to list the claimed pathogens that it is said to destroy.
The main constituent of olive leaf is the phytochemical oleuropein, which has broken down to elenolic acid, which have a powerful anti-bacterial effect, and has the ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses.
Oleuropein is a bitter monoterpene glycoside of the class known as secoiridoids and is also one of the major components found in the polyphenolic portion of olive oil
Other ingredients include esters, multiple iridoids, rutin, apigenin, luteolin etc.
Animal studies have proven the effectiveness of olive leaf extract to lower blood pressure, but this needs to be verified by human studies.
It further seems helpful in containing viral infections and the spreading of these viruses by inactivating them, and the ability to directly penetrate infected cells and stop viral replication.
In the case of retroviruses, it seems to be able to neutralize the production of reverse transcriptase and protease and also seems to be helpful in stimulating phagocytosis, which is an immune system response in which cells ingest harmful microorganisms and foreign matter.
Some research suggests that olive leaf extract may be a "true anti-viral" compound, as it appears to selectively block an entire virus-specific system.
Because of the above, it may be useful when looking to fight influenza, the common cold, Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) and other viral infections.
Olive leaf extract also seems to be indicated as useful in boosting the energy levels, assisting with chronic fatigue as well as helping with allergies.
Olive leaf extract has been reported by leading clinicians to offer significant benefit when included as part of an immune system enhancement program designed to combat microorganisms - such as our BodyGuard immune boost supplement.
Contra-indications
Olive Leaf Extract is non-toxic, but when killing too many pathogens too quickly (detoxifying), a "die off" or Herxheimer's reaction may occur - which is experienced as flu-like symptoms or allergic attacks. This however only happens with high dosage and normally passes quickly.
Olive leaf extract may inactivate antibiotics and should not be taken while taking antibiotics