The 5 Best Olive Leaf Extract Supplements of 2024

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Olives are a main food of the easy-to-follow Mediterranean diet, which has long been hailed as the one of the most effective diets for longevity, with a life expectancy of 4.4 years longer. Olives and olive oil are a big part of this diet, but a new part of the olive tree is making waves for its many health benefits that studies show are even more powerful than that of plain olives or olive oil.

Meet olive leaf extract, a dietary supplement rich in antioxidants that can reduce inflammation, boost your immune system, help you lose weight and improve cardiovascular health. These are just a few of the many health benefits of olive leaf extract, which is made from the leaves of an olive plant. (Olive oil, meanwhile, is pressed from whole olives.)

The best olive leaf extract is made from high-quality olive plants and is easy to take. Whether your goal is to take olive leaf extract to reduce cholesterol levels or maintain a healthy blood pressure, it’s important to do your research on the pros and cons. These are the best olive leaf extract supplements of 2024 and what you should know before taking them, according to registered dietitians.

This content is meant to be informative, but should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention or treatment of health problems. Always speak with your doctor before starting any new supplement or exercise regimen.

Our Picks for Best Olive Leaf Extract:

• Best Olive Leaf Extract for Immune Health: Swanson Olive Leaf Extract
• Best Olive Leaf Extract for Blood Pressure: Nature's Way Premium Extract Olive Leaf
• Best Olive Leaf Extract Capsules: GNC Herbal Plus Olive Leaf
• Best Liquid Olive Leaf Extract: Nature's Answer Olive Leaf Extract
• Best Pure-Ingredient Olive Leaf Extract: Gaia Herbs Olive Leaf

Best Olive Leaf Extract for Immune Health: Swanson Olive Leaf Extract

Key features & specs

• Olive leaf extract per serving: 500 milligrams
• Certifications: None
• Subscription: None
• Key ingredients: Olive leaf extract, gelatin, microcrystalline cellulose (plant fiber), magnesium stearate and silica
• Best for: Immune support
• Price per serving: $0.10

Swanson Olive Leaf Extract contains 500 milligrams of immune-boosting olive leaf extract per serving with 20 percent oleuropein—the main compound in olive leaf extract that provides health benefits. 

“Swanson Olive Leaf Extract is generally well-regarded for its quality and affordability,” says Scott Keatley, RD, CDN, a private practice dietitian in New York City. “However, some customers may prefer a product with higher oleuropein content.”

This olive leaf extract comes in veggie capsule form, and is recommended to be taken twice daily with food and water. Many customers praise Swanson Olive Leaf Extract for its benefits on their well-being, especially for their heart and immune health. 

“Less than two months after I began taking it, my cholesterol level is noticeably lower,” writes one Amazon buyer. “I have taken olive leaf extract for over five years and have never had a cold or been sick,” another notes on Amazon.

What we like:

• Vegetarian-friendly capsules
• Affordable price per serving
• Lower dosage may be good for sensitive individuals

What to consider:

• Lower oleuropein content

Best Olive Leaf Extract for Blood Pressure: Nature’s Way Premium Extract Olive Leaf

Key features & specs

• Olive leaf extract per serving: 250 milligrams
• Certifications: Non-GMO Verified, certified Authentic Tru-ID, certified gluten-free, vegan, soy-free, dairy-free and sugar-free
• Subscription: 2 weeks to 6 months for 5-15% savings
• Key ingredients: Olive extract, olive leaf, plant-derived capsule (hypromellose) and magnesium stearate
• Best for: Lowering blood pressure
• Price per serving: $0.15

Nature’s Way Premium Extract Olive Leaf, our best olive leaf extract for high blood pressure, has just two active ingredients: olive leaf extract and olive leaf. This supplement is a once-daily capsule from this trusted vitamin brand, which is a leader in the supplement space.

Whether your goal is to reduce your blood pressure or lower your risk for developing heart disease, Nature’s Way Premium Extract Olive Leaf can help with these cardiovascular needs. It's standardized to contain 20 percent oleuropein per serving, but has a lower dosage compared to other products on our list (olive leaf extract is most commonly studied between 500 to 1,000 milligrams).

As our best olive leaf extract for blood pressure, we especially love this supplement because it’s sourced from olive trees in the Mediterranean, which is renowned for its heart-healthy diet.

A few customers note a strong taste, yet the majority see some benefits. “My blood pressure is way down,” notes one Amazon buyer.

Related Post: The Best Home Blood Pressure Monitors 

What we like:

• Free of most major allergens
• Sourced from Mediterranean olive trees
• Non-GMO Project Verified

What to consider:

• Low dosage per capsule

Best Olive Leaf Extract Capsules: GNC Herbal Plus Olive Leaf

Key features & specs

• Olive leaf extract per serving: 500 milligrams
• Certifications: Sugar-free, gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, yeast-free, sodium-free and wheat-free
• Subscription: 1-4 months for 10% savings and free shipping
• Key ingredients: Olive leaf extract, cellulose and vegetable cellulose capsule
• Best for: General wellbeing
• Price per serving: $0.30

The leaves of Olea europaea, or the common olive tree, have numerous proven wellness benefits. GNC Herbal Plus Olive Leaf comes in as one of our best olive leaf extracts because it’s free from most major allergens, includes a well-studied 500-milligram dosage and comes in easy-to-take veggie capsule form. This once-daily supplement includes 10 percent oleuropein per serving, and is an excellent choice for supporting general wellbeing and health.

“GNC is a well-known brand in the health and nutrition industry, which may inspire trust in consumers,” Keatley says. “However, as with all GNC products, prices can be slightly higher compared to other brands, and this might be a drawback for some.” 

Many buyers report no side effects from taking this supplement, quick service and fast results. “I have not taken antibiotics for infections for the past few years, thanks to this herbal supplement,” a GNC customer writes.

What we like:

• Includes well-studied dosage of olive leaf extract
• Accommodates most dietary needs
• Free shipping with subscription

What to consider:

• Slightly higher price per serving than other brands
• Lower oleuropein content

Best Liquid Olive Leaf Extract: Nature’s Answer Olive Leaf Extract

Key features & specs

• Olive leaf extract per serving: 1,500 milligrams
• Certifications: Non-GMO Verified, gluten-free, alcohol-free and vegan
• Subscription: None
• Key ingredients: Olive leaf extract, vegetable glycerin, purified water and gum arabic
• Best for: Those who want to adjust dosing
• Price per serving: $0.67

One of the benefits of taking a liquid olive leaf extract is that you can adjust your dosing. Nature’s Answer Olive Leaf Extract comes in a higher dosage of 1,500 milligrams per serving, but if that’s too high for you, you can easily cut the dose in half by taking half the recommended serving.

“Nature's Answer Olive Leaf Extract is an alcohol-free liquid extract, which may be preferable for those who have difficulty swallowing pills or want more flexible dosing options,” Keatley says. “On the downside, liquid extracts can have a strong taste that not everyone will enjoy.”

Customers indeed acknowledge a strong taste that some liken to medicine, but most report experiencing significant health improvements that range from allergy reduction to curing a cold. “This has been excellent for boosting my immune system and the look of my skin,” writes one Amazon buyer.

What we like:

• Accommodates a variety of dietary needs, including vegan and gluten-free diets
• Liquid dosage is adjustable
• Alcohol-free

What to consider:

• Higher dosage than studied range

Best Pure-Ingredient Olive Leaf Extract: Gaia Herbs Olive Leaf

Key features & specs

• Olive leaf extract per serving: 680 milligrams
• Certifications: Vegan, dairy-free, gluten-free and soy-free
• Subscription: 2-6 months for 10-15% savings
• Key ingredients: Olive leaf extract, vegetable glycerin, vegan capsule (hypromellose) and water
• Best for: People with allergies
• Price per serving: $0.34

Gaia Herbs Olive Leaf supplements are made with simple ingredients, and as a Certified B Corporation, Gaia Herbs is doing its part towards building a more sustainable economy. These vegan capsules pack in 680 milligrams of olive leaf extract per serving—which includes 50 milligrams of oleuropein—and are free of many major allergens like dairy and gluten.

“Gaia Herbs is a reputable brand known for its commitment to organic and sustainable practices,” Keatley says. While these supplements are slightly more expensive than others, they’re rated highly with customers for their health benefits, although a few experience heartburn. “I take this as a natural antibiotic,” one Amazon buyer writes. “I love the immune boost.”

What we like:

• No filler ingredients
• Capsules are vegan-friendly
• Includes studied dosage of olive leaf extract

What to consider:

• More expensive than other brands

What Is Olive Leaf Extract?

Olive leaf extract is a natural supplement sourced from the leaves of an olive plant. It typically comes in liquid or capsule form and is used to help manage a variety of health conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure) and blood glucose levels for people with diabetes.

Olive leaf extract is rich in polyphenols, a group of compounds naturally found in plant foods that offer powerful antioxidant properties. While extra virgin olive oil has long been considered one of the holy grails of heart-healthy diets (thanks to its high polyphenol content), studies show that olive leaf extract actually contains higher levels of polyphenols than its olive oil counterparts.

Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract

There is a laundry list of positive effects of olive leaf extract. It offers tremendous immune support thanks to its antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help reduce oxidative stress and eliminate free radicals in the body that can cause cell damage.

Olive leaf extract can also do wonders for the heart. It can reduce blood pressure, lower heart disease risk, lower “bad” cholesterol and protect the cardiovascular system in general. Olive leaf extract’s antioxidant activity can also help prevent stroke, cancer, inflammation and disease.

Still, the benefits don’t end there. Olive leaf extract can be a useful supplement for managing blood sugar levels in people with diabetes, and research shows that when combined with a calorie-restricted diet, olive leaf extract can help promote weight loss and reduction of fat mass.

“In the context of sports, athletes might use olive leaf extract to support overall health and immune function,” Keatley adds.

Who Should Use Olive Leaf Extract

Keatley says olive leaf extract is a great supplement to consider for those looking for natural ways to manage conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. It’s also an option for athletes leading a very active lifestyle who may need extra immune system support.

Related Post: The Best Diets for Diabetes

Who Shouldn’t Use Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf extract may come with a host of potential benefits, but it’s still not for everyone.

“Some individuals may experience stomach discomfort, headache or dizziness, although these side effects are generally mild,” Keatley says. “Because olive leaf extract can lower blood pressure, individuals already taking medication for hypertension should consult with a healthcare provider before starting this supplement.”

In general, it’s always a good idea to check with a doctor before starting any supplement if you’re pregnant, diagnosed with a medical condition or taking prescription medication. “More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of taking olive leaf extract,” Keatley adds.

If olive leaf extract doesn’t work for you, you can also consider turmeric or elderberry supplements, which offer similar antioxidant and immune-boosting properties.

How to Choose the Best Olive Leaf Extract for You

There are a few things to consider before choosing an olive leaf extract. It may come as a surprise, but not all olive leaf extract is simply the extract itself. You may encounter filler ingredients, allergens and low purity. Here’s what to look for as you research different brands.

Cost

Olive leaf extract has a wide price range that starts as low as $9 per container to as high as $40 or more. If you plan on taking olive leaf extract daily, be sure that the price per serving is in your budget, especially if you replenish your supply monthly. Some products sold on Amazon also offer "Subscribe & Save" options where you can save up to 15% with a subscription.

Dosage

The majority of olive leaf extract supplements will include between 500 to 1,000 milligrams per serving–the most studied dosage range at which benefits occur–but others are higher or lower. It’s important to find a dosage you’re comfortable with, and be sure to connect with a healthcare provider if you have any concerns about taking a higher dose of olive leaf extract. Remember, supplement dosage isn’t regulated by the FDA like prescription medicine dosage.

Form

You’ll generally find olive leaf extract in two forms: capsules and liquid. Capsules may allow you to get a more accurate dose with each serving, while some people believe liquid supplements are better absorbed by your body (yet research on this is inconclusive). Capsules can also contain unnecessary fillers, and some people might struggle to take capsule supplements.

Consider your needs before choosing a liquid or capsule, and if neither works for you, Keatley says olive leaf also comes in whole leaf, ground versions that can be made into a tea.

Purity

“When looking for a quality olive leaf extract, individuals should consider the concentration of oleuropein in the product, as this is the active compound thought to provide health benefits,” Keatley advises. You may want to look for a product with a higher concentration of oleuropein, and Keatley says buying supplements from reputable sources that are third-party tested can also help guarantee an olive leaf extract supplement’s purity and potency.

Ingredients

Keep an eye out for fillers and preservatives, and if you have an allergy (such as to gluten), be sure to double check that a product is certified gluten-free. No two products are made the same, so you may need to shop around a little to find an olive leaf extract with the right ingredients.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Olive Leaf Extract

With the help of input from registered dietitians, we chose the best olive leaf extract based on a number of factors. We considered price per serving, purity, oleuropein content, ingredients, certifications, brand reputation and customer satisfaction. These factors combined helped us determine which olive leaf extract supplements were truly worthy of being included in this list.

Olive Leaf Extract FAQs

What’s the best time to take olive leaf extract?

Olive leaf extract can be taken at any time of day that works for you. You may want to take this supplement with a meal to help prevent any stomach upset. If you’re sensitive to supplements, you can also try dividing the daily dose in half to take at two different times throughout the day.

Can you take olive leaf extract every day?

While there are no official dosing recommendations, olive leaf extract is considered safe to take every day. Still, be sure to ask a healthcare provider before starting olive leaf extract if you have any questions or concerns.

What’s the best dosage for olive leaf extract?

Most standard olive leaf extract doses range from 500 to 1,000 milligrams daily. The majority of studies find that the health benefits of taking olive leaf extract occurs in this dosage range.

What is the best form of olive leaf extract?

There’s no right or wrong form of olive leaf extract. Olive leaf extract typically comes as a capsule or liquid. Some people prefer capsules to get accurate dosing, while others like to take the liquid form if they have a tough time taking capsules. Ultimately, it’s a personal choice.

Is olive leaf extract safe?

Olive leaf extract is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, although dietary supplements aren’t regulated by the Food and Drug Administration the way prescription medicine is. Olives have long been a staple of longevity diets and have many proven health benefits.

Takeaway: Is Olive Leaf Extract Worth It?

If you’re looking for a natural solution to managing health conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, or you’re looking for a supplement that helps prevent disease and boosts your immune system, olive leaf extract can be a safe and effective option to consider. Be sure to check our best olive leaf extract guide for our top picks and what you should know before starting this supplement.