Olive Leaf Powder (Olea europaea) is produced from dried olive leaves standardised for oleuropein — the primary bitter secoiridoid glycoside responsible for olive’s antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, and cardiovascular properties. Oleuropein is the precursor to hydroxytyrosol and has been shown to inhibit LDL oxidation, reduce blood pressure, and exhibit broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Applications:
- Immune support and natural antimicrobial formulations
- Cardiovascular health and blood pressure management
- Antioxidant and anti-ageing supplement formulations
- Natural antiviral and anti-bacterial nutraceuticals
Key Features & Benefits:
- Rich in oleuropein — powerful antimicrobial and antioxidant
- Inhibits LDL oxidation and supports arterial health
- Broad-spectrum antimicrobial: bacteria, viruses, fungi
- No animal substance – halal-certified
- Whole leaf powder preserving full polyphenol spectrum
Powder or extract: oleuropein is the difference
Oleuropein is the bitter secoiridoid of the olive leaf (Olea europaea). Dried leaf powder contains much less oleuropein than a standardised extract, and the level varies with cultivar, season and drying. If your formula depends on oleuropein, ask for an oleuropein figure by HPLC for each lot rather than relying on the product name.
Oleuropein breaks down to hydroxytyrosol
Enzymes in the leaf, heat, moisture and acid break oleuropein down into hydroxytyrosol and other compounds. Good drying and dry, cool storage protect the oleuropein content. For a standardised hydroxytyrosol ingredient, see Hydroxytyrosol.
Formulation notes
Olive leaf is strongly bitter, so it suits capsules and tablets better than drinks. Leaf powder also contains fibre and chlorophyll, which add a green colour and a grassy taste to blends.
What the research says
- A 2022 meta-analysis of 12 trials (819 participants) found olive leaf extract lowered triglycerides by 9.51 mg/dL and systolic blood pressure by 3.86 mmHg. [1]
- A 2026 meta-analysis of 30 olive leaf or olive pomace trials (1,726 participants) found olive leaf improved lipids and blood pressure, not blood sugar. Certainty ranged from very low to high. [2]
- A second 2026 meta-analysis of 11 trials found no significant effect on blood sugar or lipids in longer parallel-group trials. Its authors do not support health recommendations. [3]
- These trials used olive leaf extracts or oleuropein, not whole leaf powder, which usually contains less oleuropein.
These summaries describe published research on the ingredient. They are not claims for any finished product; claims on finished products must meet the rules of the market where they are sold.
References
- Razmpoosh E, et al. The effects of olive leaf extract on cardiovascular risk factors in the general adult population: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Diabetol Metab Syndr. 2022;14(1):151. doi:10.1186/s13098-022-00920-y
- Mansouri F, et al. A GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of olive leaf or olive pomace supplementation on cardiometabolic and anthropometric health markers. Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis. 2026;36(10):104821. doi:10.1016/j.numecd.2026.104821
- Câmara Rocha Menezes R, et al. Metabolic and inflammatory effects of oleuropein and olive leaf extract: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Food Funct. 2026;17(7):3077-90. doi:10.1039/d5fo04235f
What to ask for on the certificate of analysis
- Botanical name and plant part (Olea europaea leaf)
- Oleuropein content by HPLC, if specified
- Particle size (mesh)
- Loss on drying, heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) and pesticide residues
- Microbiology: total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella
- Batch number, manufacture and retest dates
