The fruit of the olive tree and the wonderful oil that is produced from the olives not only transport us to the wonderful temperate climate and beautiful scenery of the Mediterranean, but they have long been revered for their health giving properties associated to the Mediterranean diet. As well as the fruit and oils from the tree providing us with medicinal benefit, the leaves from the tree are also powerhouses for our health with properties especially relating to the health of our immune system. This is why we feature the finest quality extract in Defence.
Olive leaf is a rich source of polyphenols, notably oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, that have antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties[i]. Olive leaf extract has been studied for its capacity to significantly reduce the duration of upper respiratory tract infections[ii]. Its immune modulatory benefit has been looked at in many studies and far-reaching benefit even extends to antimicrobial protection against food borne pathogens[iii].
The olive branch itself is perhaps one of the most symbolic offerings for peace and goes back to ancient Greek mythology with associations to friendship and strength. It is perhaps no coincidence that the nutritional properties of the olive leaf itself are associated with strength, resilience and inner peace.
[i] Ahmadpour, E. et al. (2023) ‘Efficacy of olive leaves extract on the outcomes of hospitalized covid-19 patients: A randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial’, EXPLORE, 19(4), pp. 536–543. doi:10.1016/j.explore.2022.10.020.
[ii] Somerville, V., Moore, R. and Braakhuis, A. (2019) ‘The effect of olive leaf extract on upper respiratory illness in high school athletes: A randomised control trial’, Nutrients, 11(2), p. 358. doi:10.3390/nu11020358.
[iii] Liu, Y., McKeever, L.C. and Malik, N.S. (2017) ‘Assessment of the antimicrobial activity of olive leaf extract against foodborne bacterial pathogens’, Frontiers in Microbiology, 8. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2017.00113.
