Oleuropein

Description of Oleuropein

Oleuropein is the active ingredient or glucoside, found in green olives and olive leaf. Olive leaf is found on the olive tree. Another active ingredient found in olive leaf is hydroxytyrosol, polyphenols, flavonoids, and Oleocanthal. Oleuropein and olive oil, extracted from green olives and olive leaves, are known in alternative medicine for its medicinal benefits.

Scientists began to evaluate the benefits of oleuropein, olive leaf, and olive oil. These studies began when scientists noticed that individuals in the Mediterranean consistently showed a lower occurrence of heart disease and cancers. The cancers with the lowest incidence were prostate and colon cancers. Scientists attributed this finding to the diet consisting of mostly fruits, vegetables, peas and fish. But more importantly, it is attributed to olive oil comprising the majority of the fat content within the diet.

Oleuropein or olive oil is known for its anti-aging effects, its antifungal properties, its anti-infllamatory properties, its antibiotic properties and its immunostimulators. Olive leaf extracts have also been known to lower blood pressure. Scientists discovered, in an international study, that olive leaf extract contained twice the antioxidants of green tea extract and 400 percent higher than Vitamin C.

Individuals, who practice alternative medicine, use olive leaf or Oleuropein for the following purposes:

• Natural pathogens killer: It kills pathogens by preventing pathogens from replicating.
• Colds
• Flus
• Yeast Infections
• Heart Disease
• Lowering Bad Cholesterol or Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL)
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• Increases Blood Flow
• Treats Epstein-Barr Disease
• Treats Shingles
• Treats Herpes

Because of its remarkable antioxidant properties, oleuropein protects the body from free radicals. When free radicals undergo the oxidation process, they may cause cellular damage if they exist in the body in excess for extended periods of time. Free radicals are highly reactive. Therefore, antioxidants must be introduced to prevent development of diseases such as cancer and other diseases.

Oleuropein is a polyphenol extracted from the leaves, bark, root, and fruit of the olive tree. The olive tree contains agents that make it highly resistant to insect damage and other diseases. Oleuropein is also classified as an iridoid.

Oleuropein? Get Remedies Fast!

This plant substance is present in olive oil and in the olive tree. Another agent contained in oleuropein is elenolic acid. This particular acid is particularly useful in maintaining the body’s immune system. This portion of oleuropein, elenoic acid, balances bacteria, while promoting a healthy immune system.

History and Origin of Usage

The olive leaf extract has been used for thousands of years. The Egyptians and the Mediterranean cultures have long used this particular extract to alleviate a number of health conditions.

Myths Associated with Oleuropein

Thousands of years ago, the Egyptians recognized the olive leaf as a symbol of heavenly power. The Egyptians used the extracted oil to mummify their Egyptian kings. Olive leaf was also used in the 1880s to alleviate symptoms associated with malaria. Biblical references were also made to the olive tree as “The Tree of Life.” Scientists believed the ancient people referred to the olive tree as “The Tree of Life” because of its medicinal properties. Even ancient people recognized the efficacy of the supplement.

How Oleuropein is used

Oleuropein is often found in a tea form. The tea is based upon the olive leaf. While green tea has many antioxidant benefits, oleuropein and olive leaf have double the anti-oxidant effects of green tea. Some of the benefits of oleuropein are listed below:

• Helps Lower Cholesterol
• Combats Viruses
• Prevents Cold Sores and Herpes
• Possesses Anti-Fungal Properties
• Possesses Anti-Bacterial Properties
• Maintains A Strong and Balanced Immune System
• Fights Common Cold and Flu

Olive leaf extracts or oleuropein may also be found in topical creams. Oleuropein is often found in soaps and moisturizers. The active agent, oleuropein, helps to repair the skin.

Some experts believe that 50 grams of olive oil per day is thought to have an equivalent effect to 0.1 of the adult ibuprofen dosage and use.

Many physicians suggest that the polyphenols in red wine have an antioxidant effect. Similarly, the polyphenols in oleuropein have an antioxidant effect in reducing the oxidation of bad or LDL cholesterol. Olive oil contains more antioxidants than a glass of red wine. However, most enjoy wine over olive oil.

In the form of olive oil, oleuropein may be used in a variety of home remedies as well. Some of the most popular ones are listed below:

• Promote healthy skin

Olive oil contains at least 4 different antioxidants. These antioxidants assist in eliminating free radicals in the body. Free radicals assist in skin aging. Olive oil helps to fight skin cancer and aging.

Ozonated olive oil is also supposed to soothe the skin as well. Some experts recommend boiling ozonated olive oil until it forms into a paste. Rub the paste onto the skin for soothing and healing promotion.

Olive oil contains a significant amount of a natural emollient called squalene. Squalene is able to moisturize the skin without leaving a film behind. Olive oil is also rich in vitamins A and E. Both of these vitamins contain healing properties for the skin. Polyphenols are also present. Each of these vitamins is prevalent in many beauty products.

• Alleviate an earache

Some alternative medicine providers recommend olive oil as a natural remedy for earaches. Sufferers are advised to apply the olive oil to a cotton swab and gently massage the out portion of the ear cavity. This is supposed to alleviate some of the associated pain and loosen the earwax. Some individuals suggest heating the oil for added benefit.

• Control hair frizz

Olive oil provides relief from damaged hair. Simply apply the oil to the hair, while the hair is wet. Allow the oil to remain on the hair for 30 minutes. Rinse the oil from the hair. Enjoy the lustrous look and feel of the hair.

• Bad sunburn

Individuals suffering from sunburn should to mix olive oil with white vinegar. Pour the mixture into a warm bath. The healing agents in olive oil sooth the skin and alleviate the burning sensation.

• Dandruff problems

To alleviate symptoms associated with dandruff, mix olive oil with almond oil. Leave the product on the scalp for five minutes. Rinse the mixture from the hair to remove the dandruff. If the oil burns the scalp, rinse it immediately.

• Shaving

Individuals who have sensitive skin may want to use olive oil as a shaving lubricant. The oils natural healing agents will soothe the skin.

• Energy booster
  • Cure Diaper Rash
  • Hair Tonic
  • Personal Lubricant
  • Soothe a Sore Throat
  • Treat Lice
  • Remove Makeup or Paint from the Skin
  • Soothe Ulcers
  • Exfoliate Hands and Face
  • Moisturize Cuticles

Olive oil or oleuropein help to ward off fungi and yeast accumulation. Both of these may contribute to fatigue and lethargy. Individuals who consume oil on a daily basis have more energy to function.

Other ailments that are alleviated by olive oil are as follows:

Forms of Oleuropein

Olive leaf is available to the consumer in a variety of forms. Oleuropein may be consumed by the individuals from olive leaf, olive leaf extracts, or fresh-picked leaf extracts in the following forms:

• Liquid Concentrate
• Dried Leaf Tea
• Powder
• Capsule

Consumers may choose to select the form based upon the type that is easiest for them to consume. Alternatively, the form may be selected based upon the amount of time it takes for the drug to be consumed into the blood stream.

What Oleuropein is Proven to do

Olive leaf contains oleuropein. One of the active ingredients in oleuropein is polyphenol. Polyphenols are helpful in finding free radicals and eliminating them to prevent disease. Several studies demonstrate the efficacy of olive leaf in the prevention of LDL cholesterol. The extract works by inhibiting LDL oxidation.

High LDL levels are linked to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques contribute to the formation of coronary heart disease. Active ingredients in the olive leaf have also prevented metal ion chelation and perioxidative chain reactions.

These two processes have been cited by scientists as playing a role in the development of heart disease and cancer. Olive leaf may also be beneficial in inhibiting enzymes that contribute to the inflammatory process, as well as, platelet aggregation, and inhibition of procarcinogen activation.

Though people who consume olive oil on a regular basis benefit from its health ramifications, there is no conclusive data indicating each of the benefits of oleuropein. Studies are being conducted with rodent subjects to determine the results conclusively. Each of the components of olive leaf, oleuropein, tyrosol, polyphenols and others must be studied separately in order to determine the efficacy of each component.

Typical Dosage and Usage Requirements

Since no research has been conducted to establish the necessity of oleuropein in a person’s daily diet, the Food and Drug Administration does not establish a Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) with this particular supplement. More studies must be conducted to prove the efficacy of the supplement in an individual’s daily diet.

Individuals who desire to begin a regimen including olive leaf or oleuropein should follow the instruction of a physician or the label on the bottle. In general, however, individuals are recommended to take between 1 and 3 capsules with meals daily. Alternatively, if the person is ill, they should consume 1 capsule every 4 and 6 hours.

The pure form of oleuropein is combined with the inactive ingredients listed below to form a capsule:

• Glycerin
• Silicon Dioxide
• Magnesium Stearate
• Vegetable Cellulose

The product typically remains fresh and consumable for 2 years. Most forms originate from the Olea Europaea Olive Leaf Tree and stem. The leaves are gathered annually. The oil is extracted through a hydroenthanolic process. The capsule form of oleuropein contains no yeast, corn, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, preservatives or colors.

Regional Legal Status

This particular supplement is widely used within the Mediterranean diet and has been proven safe for consumption. There are no known regions that restrict the use of this particular supplement in the diet. Therefore, it is safe to consume oleuropein in any region of the country.

Potential Side Effects

Individuals with low blood pressure and diabetes may suffer even lower blood pressure and blood glucose levels as a result of consumption of oleuropein. Oleuropein may also interact with other pharmaceutical drugs that are designed to lower blood pressure or regulate diabetes. The interaction could result in a dangerous situation. Those who experience symptoms such as headache, nausea, flu-like symptoms, fainting, dizziness, and other life threatening symptoms should consult a physician immediately.

Those who are pregnant should conduct their physician before use. Keep the physician informed of each medication that you are taking in order to avoid unpleasant interactions or side effects.

Where to Purchase Oleuropein

Oleuropein may be purchased in any health food store or online. The amounts and forms that oleuropein will vary from store to store, depending upon the availability. The dosage ranges from 150 milligrams to 700 milligrams of olive leaf or oleuropein. The number of capsules or tablets per bottle range from 30 to 120.

Some of the popular brands of Oleuropein or Olive Leaf include:

• Physiologics
• Nature’s Way Products
• Nature’s Herbs
• Pure Encapsulations
• Karuna
• Bio-Botanical Research
• Phytopharmica
• Priority One
• Natrol
• Olivenol
• Only Natural
• Pastore Formulations

The Cost of Oleuropein

The prices of these forms of oleuropein vary based upon the potency, the brand, the amount per bottle, the type, and the store. For example, a consumer may purchase a bottle of 150 mg capsules of olive leaf for approximately $10. The bottle may contain 60 caplets. Alternatively, a consumer may purchase a bottle of 500 mg capsules of olive leaf for a little over $60. The costs vary significantly based upon the aforementioned attributes. Consumers are advised to shop around and conduct research to determine the best price for this particular supplement.