Are There Any Olive Leaf Extract Side Effects?

Olive leaf extracts have been discovered to contain a variety of plant compounds. Some of these compounds are oleuropein, hydroxytyrosol, flavonoids and other polyphenols. Aside from these compounds, olive leaf also contains amino acids, vitamin C, beta carotene, and some minerals such as iron, zinc, selenium and chromium. Because of the number of different compounds it contains, one may ask if there are olive leaf extract side effects. The answer to that question is a plain and simple “yes”.

Side effects are possible conditions that can occur from taking different medications. These conditions are not the primary reason for taking the medication. They are not intentionally sought after and usually are not desired. In the case of pharmaceutical drugs, almost every one of them has side effects if dosing is not correctly taken or taken correctly but for extended periods. Most of the time, the reason is because they are concentrated synthetic forms based or derived from single plant compounds. In the case of an olive leaf extract, its side effects come from its efficacy in correcting an abnormal condition.

Some of the nutritional and medicinal uses of olive leaf and extract are its ability to lower blood pressure and lower blood glucose. Olive leaf has is able to reduce low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol. As such, it has been found to lower blood pressure and increase blood flow by relaxing the arteries. Anti-hypertensive medications such as ACE inhibitors work in a similar manner. However, if a person already has low blood pressure, taking olive leaf extract may pull it down further, which could result in a condition called hypotension. Hypotension is a condition of having unusually low blood pressure on a regular basis.

Also, diabetics who are already taking medications to lower blood sugar levels may further lower their blood sugar when they take olive leaf extract. It is not yet certain how olive leaf perform this function. However, if the effect of olive leaf extract begins to take place, one can reduce the amount of diabetic medications he or she is taking to avoid hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia or abnormally low blood sugar usually results from excessive insulin intake or a poor diet. However, these conditions stemming from olive leaf extract side effects are not necessarily undesirable or unmanageable. In fact, people can reduce their intake of prescription drugs and take more of this natural compound.

There are not as many tests on olive leaf extract, and as such, taking the manufacturer’s recommended dose on the label is the safe route to take. The real question comes to which manufacturer are you going to trust. The supplement industry in the US for example is still pretty much unregulated. Therefore, it is a must to do some research on manufacturers and their products. One way to choose a reputable manufacturer is to look for those who follow strict pharmaceutical-grade GMP processes. Make sure the ingredients are standardized and in right and adequate amounts. Also, there should be no artificial fillers in their supplements as they do nothing for the product or for the consumer.