Olive Leaf extract has been well documented to have very beneficial elements for the body and the Mediterranean diet is world reknown for its health giving properties. The fruit and the oil pressed from the fruit have been used as an important food source throughout recorded history and the olive leaf itself has

also been used as a medicine throughout recorded history. It has recently been discovered that the olive leaf extract properties have a dramatic effect in killing viruses and pathogens.

Research has been proven and demonstrated that olive leaf extract has antimicrobial properties that can affect viruses, bacteria, fungus, yeast and protozoa. The active ingredient oleuropein is a compound found in the fruit, leaves and bark of olive trees.

There are several polyphenols in olive leaf and olive fruit that are biologically active. Many of the polyphenols are removed from the fruit and oil during processing because they impart a bitter taste. The polyphenol most researched with respect to olive leaf extract's therapeutic properties is oleuropein. The more oleuropein in a particular product, the more effective it is likely to be.

Oleuropein is metabolized into elenolic acid by the digestive process. Elenolic acid in turn has demonstrated broad spectrum antimicrobial effects. Clinical trials of olive leaf extract in the treatment of particular diseases have not been done. It is, therefore, not an approved drug or treatment for any particular disease. Nevertheless, it has been widely used as a common treatment for numerous infectious conditions.

Some viruses inhibited by OLE in vitro include rhinovirus, myxoviruses, Herpes simplex type I, Herpes simplex type II, Herpes zoster, Encephalomyocarditis, Polio 1, 2, and 3. It also kills many strains of influenza and para- influenza viruses and of course the common cold.

It has as also been traditionally used as a malaria treatment. Some of the old references claim that it is superior to quinine in effectiveness.

Leaf Extract in Chronic Fatigue.

As an antifungal and antiviral agent, OLE is currently used as a supportive agent in the management of chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia. It is hypothesized that the antimicrobial action of olive leaf extract enables it to kill infectious organisms that are believed to contribute to fatigue, low energy and chronic fatigue. One of the most reported benefits for users taking olive leaf extract is the increase in energy and well being.

Olive leaf extract has been widley reported to reduce blood pressure and increase longevity as demonstrated by the Mediterranean diet. OLE protects the blood vessels in the heart from damage, and has been shown to be effective in protecting the heart.

Precautions and side effects, safety, danger. To date there have not been any side effects reported yet with OLE as a supplement, but it also has to be said that few human studies are available.

The extract will likely lower blood pressure. Therefore, anyone with hypotension or taking blood pressure lowering medications should consult their physician and use caution. It will most likely lower blood sugar. Therefore, anyone with hypoglycemia or taking insulin or diabetic medications should consult their physician and use caution. Most likely it will reduce blood clotting. Therefore, anyone with bleeding disorders or taking anticoagulant medications should consult their physician and use caution.

It may conflict with some antibiotics therefore always consult your doctor and pharmacist before taking the two together.