Biological Effects and the Medical Usage of Olive Leaves

Olive tree (Olea europaea L.) leaves have been widely used in traditional remedies in European and Mediterranean countries. They contain many potentially bioactive compounds that may have antioxidant, antihypertensive, antiatherogenic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, and hypocholesterolemic properties. The primary medical constituents contained in unprocessed olive leaf is believed to be the antioxidants oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, as well as several other flavonoids, which are the most common group of polyphenolic compounds in the human diet. Olive leaf harbours antioxidant properties that help protect the body from the continuous activity of free radicals. Olive leaf extract has been used in the human diet as a commercial liquid concentrate, powder, capsules or dried leaf tea. The evidence supporting the potentially beneficial effects of olive leaves on human health are presented in this review article.