Olive Leaf Extract and Blood Pressure: What Research Shows
Updated: 12 hours ago
Olive Leaf Extract and Blood Pressure: What Research Shows
Maintaining healthy blood pressure is an important part of cardiovascular wellness. Along with a balanced diet, regular physical activity, healthy weight management, adequate sleep, and appropriate medical care, researchers are studying plant compounds that may support cardiovascular health.
Olive leaf extract has attracted scientific interest because olive leaves naturally contain polyphenols such as oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol.
But what does the research actually show about olive leaf extract and blood pressure?
What Is Olive Leaf Extract?
Olive leaf extract is made from the leaves of the olive tree, Olea europaea. The leaves contain naturally occurring plant compounds, including oleuropein, one of the principal phenolic compounds found in olive leaves.
Oleuropein has been investigated for antioxidant activity and for its potential relationship with vascular and cardiovascular function.
Olive Leaf Extract and Blood Pressure
Human clinical research has investigated whether olive leaf extract may influence blood pressure.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials published in 2022 analyzed 12 studies involving 819 participants. Across the included studies, olive leaf extract supplementation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure. In participants with hypertension, the analysis found an average reduction of approximately 4.8 mmHg in systolic blood pressure and 2.5 mmHg in diastolic blood pressure.
However, the researchers also noted that additional, higher-quality clinical trials are needed to better establish the effects of different olive leaf extract doses and treatment durations.
What Did a Larger Clinical Trial Find?
More recent research has added important information.
A multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in 2025 included 621 adults receiving treatment for hypertension. Participants were randomly assigned to receive olive leaf extract or placebo for 12 weeks.
The researchers reported that 24-hour systolic blood pressure decreased by approximately 6.4 mmHg from baseline in the olive leaf extract group. The reduction compared with placebo was approximately 1.5 mmHg, with the between-group result reported as statistically significant.
The study also examined blood-pressure load and blood-pressure variability and reported improvements in several secondary measures.
These findings add to the growing body of human research on olive leaf extract, although they do not establish that every olive leaf supplement will produce the same results.
What Role Does Oleuropein Play?
Oleuropein is one of the most studied polyphenols naturally found in olive leaves.
Researchers have investigated oleuropein in connection with:
Antioxidant activity
Vascular function
Cardiovascular wellness
Blood pressure
Cellular signaling
Oxidative stress
The amount of oleuropein can vary substantially between olive leaf products. For this reason, consumers interested in olive leaf extract may want to look for products that clearly identify their ingredients and provide transparent information about standardization and serving size.
Olive Leaf Extract and Cardiovascular Wellness
Blood pressure is only one part of cardiovascular health.
A heart-healthy lifestyle can include:
Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits
Choosing whole grains and legumes
Eating fish, nuts, and seeds
Including extra virgin olive oil as part of a Mediterranean-style eating pattern
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Managing stress
Getting adequate sleep
Limiting excessive sodium intake
Avoiding tobacco
Olive leaf extract can be considered as part of an overall wellness routine, rather than as a substitute for these foundational habits.
Is Olive Leaf Extract a Treatment for Hypertension?
Olive leaf extract should not be considered a replacement for prescribed blood-pressure medication or medical treatment.
The available research is encouraging, but clinical studies have used specific olive leaf extracts, doses, populations, and treatment periods. Results from one product or study cannot automatically be applied to every olive leaf supplement.
If you have hypertension or take medication that affects blood pressure, talk with your healthcare professional before adding olive leaf extract to your routine or changing your treatment.
How to Choose an Olive Leaf Extract
When comparing olive leaf supplements, consider:
Clearly identified ingredients
The amount of olive leaf extract per serving
Oleuropein content or standardization when provided
Clear serving instructions
Manufacturing quality
Appropriate storage instructions
Transparent information about the manufacturer or importer
Liquid olive leaf extracts are another option for people who prefer a liquid format and may be convenient to incorporate into a daily wellness routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does olive leaf extract lower blood pressure?
Human studies have reported reductions in blood pressure following olive leaf extract supplementation. A 2022 meta-analysis found an average reduction in systolic blood pressure across the included randomized controlled trials, while a larger 2025 clinical trial also reported a reduction in 24-hour systolic blood pressure.
More research is needed to determine how different extracts, doses, and durations affect individual results.
What is the connection between oleuropein and blood pressure?
Oleuropein is a major polyphenol in olive leaves and has been studied for several biological activities, including vascular and antioxidant effects. Clinical research on olive leaf extract has investigated whether these compounds may contribute to cardiovascular and blood-pressure effects.
Can olive leaf extract replace blood-pressure medication?
No. Olive leaf extract should not replace medication prescribed by a healthcare professional. People taking blood-pressure medication should consult their healthcare provider before using a supplement.
Is olive leaf extract good for cardiovascular wellness?
Olive leaf extract is being studied for its potential relationship with cardiovascular health, including blood pressure and vascular function. It should be considered part of an overall healthy lifestyle rather than a treatment for cardiovascular disease.
The Bottom Line
Research on olive leaf extract and blood pressure continues to develop. Clinical studies and systematic reviews have reported potentially beneficial effects on blood pressure, while newer research is providing additional evidence in people with hypertension.
The most important approach remains a combination of healthy lifestyle habits, regular blood-pressure monitoring, and appropriate medical care.
Olive leaf extract may be a useful addition to a wellness routine, but individual results can vary and more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of different olive leaf extracts and doses.
Scientific References
Lamti F, et al. Efficacy of olive leaf extracts in controlling blood pressure in hypertensive patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial. Journal of Hypertension. 2025. (article)
Lockyer S, et al. Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers: a randomised controlled trial. European Journal of Nutrition. 2016. (article)
Systematic review and meta-analysis: The effects of olive leaf extract on cardiovascular risk factors in the general adult population. Diabetology & Metabolic Syndrome. 2022. (article)
Important Disclaimer
These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Dietary supplements should not replace prescribed medications or professional medical advice.
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