Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, causing chronic pain, inflammation, and fertility issues. While conventional treatments like hormonal therapy or surgery are commonly employed, many women seek alternative approaches to manage their symptoms. One such natural remedy gaining attention is olive leaf extract. Let's dive into the world of olive leaf extract and its potential benefits for endometriosis sufferers.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a condition where tissues similar to that growing inside the uterus grow outside the uterus, mainly on the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and the tissue lining the pelvis. This misplaced tissue behaves like the endometrium, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. However, unlike the lining of the uterus, this blood has no way to exit the body, leading to inflammation, scar tissue formation, and adhesions.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 10% of women at their reproductive age develop endometriosis. That is almost 190 million cases worldwide.Â
Signs of Endometriosis
Estrogen and Endometriosis
Endometriosis, a condition characterized by inflammation, is influenced by estrogen levels in the body, as it's estrogen-dependent. Estrogen, a key female hormone, regulates the reproductive system. Research shows that women with endometriosis have higher levels of estrogen, which can affect the endometrial tissue outside of the uterus and lead to inflammation and pain. A type of estrogen, called estradiol, is especially important for forming the tissues inside the uterus as well as the inflammation and pain associated with it.Â
Estrogen receptors, ER-alpha and ER-beta, regulate how estradiol affects the uterine tissues. According to a 2019 study, ER-beta is particularly significant in endometriosis progression.
What is the role of Olive Leaf Extract in Endometriosis and Overall Health?
Olive leaf extract has been used for centuries in Mediterranean cultures for its various health benefits, owing largely to its high content of polyphenols, particularly oleuropein. Polyphenols are antioxidants, that protect the body's tissues against oxidative stress and associated diseases such as cancers, coronary heart disease and chronic inflammation.
What is oleuropein?
Oleuropein is a potent, antioxidant found naturally in olive oil and olive leaf extract. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, and disease-fighting activities.
The National Institute of Health explains that "oleuropein, a compound found in olive oil and olive leaves, may have the potential to treat endometriosis with fewer side effects than current treatments"
Olive Leaves as Natural Treatment for Endometriosis
The journal of Biomedical Science mentions a recent study that has found oleuropein can help treat endometriosis and improve fertility rates. As already mentioned, olive leaves contain oleuropein as a major component and in 2022, a study suggests it may be effective in treating endometriosis.
Han and his team have been working with cell cultures in their lab and searching extensively through a list of natural products to find compounds that could treat the condition without using hormones. They found that oleuropein can selectively inhibit ER-beta activity.
In this study, a group of mice was induced endometriosis surgically. A part of the group was treated orally with oleuropein. https://studyfinds.org/olive-leaves-endometriosis/
The study reported that the mice treated with oleuropein had lesser endometrial lesions than the other group. The natural component also improved fertility rates in these mice.
Even better, the study mentions that the oleuropein was safer for the mice and didn't cause any liver toxicity. As a result, this study concludes that olive leaves could be used to treat endometriosis naturally by inhibiting ER-beta.Â
Also, the Journal explains that "systematic estrogen depletion and anti-inflammatory drugs are the current treatment for endometriosis" but "current endometriosis treatments have low efficacy and cause adverse effects in endometriosis patients." Due to such results, an alternative of treatment - like olive leaf extract - is worth considering. //jbiomedsci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12929-022-00883-2
Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract for Endometriosis
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties:Â
Inflammation is a key driver of endometriosis symptoms. Olive leaf extract contains compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties, helping to reduce the inflammation associated with endometriosis, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort.
2. Antioxidant Effects:
Oxidative stress is believed to play a role in the development and progression of endometriosis. Olive leaf extract is rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative damage, potentially reducing the severity of symptoms and protecting against further tissue damage.
3. Anti-angiogenic Properties:Â
Endometriosis is characterized by the growth of new blood vessels to support the abnormal tissue growth. Olive leaf extract contains compounds that exhibit anti-angiogenic effects, potentially inhibiting the formation of these blood vessels and slowing the progression of the disease. According to the National Library of Medicine, "angiogenesis has a critical role in endometriosis progression. Therefore, various angiogenic blockers have been employed as non-hormonal therapy for endometriosis. Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9016174/
4. Hormonal Balance:Â
While more research is needed in this area, some studies suggest that olive leaf extract may help regulate hormone levels, particularly estrogen. Since endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent condition, maintaining hormonal balance is crucial for symptom management.
What is the Best Diet for Endometriosis?
Experts say diet can play a positive critical role in reducing endometriosis symptoms and potentially even slowing the growth of lesions. How can diet help endometriosis? What you eat might affect how endometriosis develops and the symptoms you experience like bloating and/or pelvic pain. Your lifestyle and diet can change how much inflammation you have, how lesions grow, and how your immune system responds to them. A Mediterranean diet is recommended for endometriosis as it includes a range of anti-inflammatory foods that are rich in antioxidants. Olive oil is the primary source of fat in the Mediterranean diet. Above all, the Mediterranean diet is safe for long-term use and has evidence to support the reduction of pain and lesions in those with endometriosis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8677647/
Studies have demonstrated that extra virgin olive oil and fish possess anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, "in studies , oleocanthal, found in extra-virgin olive oil, exhibits a molecular structure similar to that of ibuprofen." https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1273976/full
Also, the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in whole grains, good fat, vegetables, and fruits, may help lower estrogen levels.
How to Use Olive Leaf Extract
Olive leaf extract is commonly available in supplement form, including capsules, liquid form, teas, etc. It's essential to use a good quality olive leaf extract that is high in polyphenols content.
There are no significant known risks of taking olive leaf extract. While it is safe to take for most people, nevertheless, you may want to consult a medical professional if you are currently taking blood thinners, or medication to help control blood pressure.
Want to get a high quality olive leaf extract or want to know more about its benefits? You can go to: https://www.oliveleafextract.us/
Final Thoughts
Endometriosis can significantly impact a woman's quality of life, but incorporating natural remedies like olive leaf extract into a comprehensive treatment plan may offer some relief from symptoms. With further research and understanding, olive leaf extract may prove to be a valuable tool in the management of endometriosis and improving the overall well-being of those affected by this challenging condition.