New Roots Olive Leaf Extract 500mg - 60 V-Caps

Olive Leaf Extract is an extraordinary 100% natural herbal antibacterial/antiviral extract. Obtained from specific parts of the olive tree (Olea europaea), this phytochemical extract is not only safe but is also a non toxic immune system builder.

The extract of the tree (Olea europaea) dates back to the early 1800's when it was used as an effective treatment for malarial infections. According to the 1854 Pharmaceutical Journal of Provincial Transactions, the doctors stated that the properties of the olive tree, Olea europaea, deserved much more extensive investigation for its medicinal qualities.

In the early 1900's, a bitter compound called oleuropein was identified in the leaves and other parts of the olive tree. This compound was determined to be part of the olive tree's powerful disease resistant structure. In 1962, an Italian researcher discovered that oleuropein had the ability to lower blood pressure in animals. Other researchers validated that claim and also found it to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmias and prevent intestinal muscle spasms. The search began for the chemical agent within oleuropein that would be the most important medically. The chemical was elenolic acid. Further European research determined this compound to have strong bactericidal capabilities as well. In the 70's, studies were published by The American Society for Microbiology in regards to a new multifunctional monoterpene which they had isolated from various parts of the olive tree. The compound was called calcium elenolate, a crystalline salt of elenolic acid. When tested, this compound was found to be virucidal against all the viruses tested. The compound acted effectively at low concentrations without any harm to the host cell mechanisms. It was found to be extremely safe and non toxic, even at high doses.

According to laboratory tests, calcium elenolate (derived from oleuropein) kills viruses by interfering with certain amino acid production processes. This interference prevents virus shedding, budding or assembly at the cell membrane. Studies suggest that this compound has the ability to penetrate infected host cells and irreversibly inhibit viral replication. Researchers in Europe investigated the properties of oleuropein and suggested that it inactivated bacteria by dissolving the outer lining of the microbes. More recent studies of oleuropein show that it seems to protect low density lipoprotein from oxidation, thus reducing the LDL (bad cholesterol). Another research study in France remarks that Olea europaea leaf extracts show extremely high antioxidative qualities. The new olive leaf extract not only confirms the earlier test finding (less the serum binding problem), but seems to show itself as an immune system builder by directly stimulating phagocyte production (phagocytosis). It also contains natural flavonoids and esters that create a structural complex that infectious microorganisms may not readily develop a resistance to. Biochemists have determined that the extract has multiple iridoids and that the synergy of these working together is the reason for the wide spectrum effect.

Some people experience what is known as Herxheimer's reaction. This is a detoxification reaction and not a counteraction to the product. If any of these symptoms should occur greater fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, muscle/joint aches or flu-like symptoms, temporarily discontinue taking olive leaf extract or cut back on the amount taken until the body can eliminate the toxic waste. Most individuals experience no such effect.

Olive leaf extract has been used clinically in its present form for over a year. Living up to its promising background, it has already, in a short time, demonstrated considerable therapeutic action against many common and chronic conditions. One frequently heard comment is that people feel more energy and a greater sense of well being.

Olive Leaf

Olive is best known for its use in the kitchen as oil. However the leaves of the plant are a good addition to the medicine cabinet. The extract of the leaf has been found to have antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antiparasitic activity. Even new emerging viruses, like SARS, seem to be inactivated by compounds in olive leaf. It interferes with the microbe's use of amino acids so that they cannot grow and multiply.

Olive leaf also promotes the growth of beneficial organisms in our gastrointestinal tract, probiotics. Probiotic organisms protect us from infections with harmful microbes. Olive leaf is similar to olive oil in that it has benefits for cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure. It also has a beneficial effect on the high blood sugar levels that are seen in the condition diabetes.

Olive leaf may be recommended for treating colds, yeast infections, parasitic infections like tapeworm, hookworm, flatworm and roundworm, viral infections, bacterial infections, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Olive leaf can be found in both capsule and liquid formats. While whole olive leaf supplements are available, it is those that are standardized extracts that are generally preferred as the manufacturer of these can guarantee a consistent and higher level of active ingredients. Conversely, the concentration of active ingredients in whole leaf products are lower can vary from batch to batch within a certain range, which is 0.4 – 1% concentration depending on the season that the leaves are harvested.

 Olive leaf can be found in combination products for immune boosting, candidiasis, blood pressure regulation, heart health, and blood sugar control.

Diabetics, hypoglycemics, individuals on hypertensive medication and individuals with gallstones should use olive leaf supplements with caution.