WHAT IS IT?
The Original Olive Leaf Extract is, as the name implies, derived from the leaves of the olive tree. It is a source of many phytochemicals, primarily oleuropein 20%, which enzymes break down into elenolic acid. Note: Despite some manufacturers claims, there is no Calcium Elenoate in pure Olive Leaf Extract. That is a synthetic invention. Each capsule contains 525 mg standardized to 20% oleuropein. Naringen and electrolytes are added to aid absorption. Inert ingredient is plant gelatin. Olive Leaf Extract is primarily an anti-microbial.
CAUTIONS
Olive Leaf Extract is non-toxic. However, a "die off" or Herxheimer's reaction may occur from killing too many pathogens too quickly. This is experienced as "flu-like" symptoms or allergic attacks which pass quickly leaving the patient feeling much better than before taking the extract.
Someone at risk for Herxheimer's should try a reduced dose at first, then work up.
Olive Leaf Extract may inactivate antibiotics and should not be taken with them.
The amino acids glycine, lysine, histadine, and cysteine (including n-acetyl-l-cysteine) may interfere with the action of one of the components of Olive Leaf Extract. However, there are at least six active substances in the extract and it may not have a significant clinical effect. These six substances work together to prevent resistance by pathogenic organisms.
Although Olive Leaf Extract will not harm normal gastrointestinal flora, it will attack certain soil based organisms as found in Nature's Biotic or Primal Defense, especially Bacillus subtilis.
People taking warfarin (Coumadin™) should exercise caution. Olive Leaf Extract has a relaxing effect on blood vessels and capillaries and may increase bleeding tendency.
Cheaper brands of the extract are now hitting the market. Not all are of equal quality. Extraction methods and stabilization are important in preserving the Oleuropein concentration as the following table shows:
Company
Quantity
Mg
Lot Number
%
Claim
True %
Price
Match
THE ORIGINAL
60
Caps
500
220199
20
22.1
$25.50
$25.50
East Park Research
60 Caps
500
49918
39
11.4
$29.95
$57.80
Enzymatic Therapy
90 Caps
250
117y35QH1A
17 - 23
15.2*
$29.95
$29.95
Natures Herbs
30 Caps
500
803171A
6
5.9
$8.95
$30.34
Natures Plus
30 Caps
250
C33198FE
6
6.5
$10.95
$67.38
Olivex
60 Caps
500
010142
5
4
$19.95
$49.88
Oliver
45 Caps
500
010174
38
11.3*
$33.20
$39.18
Prolive
60 Caps
500
806135
-0
8
$25.45
$31.81
Solaray
30 Caps
250
020805
17
15.1*
$10.79
$28.58
Solgar
60 Caps
225+
N/A
3
3
$8.95
$66.23
Natural Factors
90 Caps
500
14060
10
1.64
$16.99
$69.15
Natural Life
60 Caps
500
S-0804
12
1.91
$8.99
$103.55
Natures Way
60 Caps
225+
904293
12
9.4
$8.99
$46.76
The above information is Intellectual Property of AMERIDEN International, Inc. and all rights are reserved. No part of this information may be reproduced in any form or by any means without the prior written consent of AMERIDEN International, Inc.
** This study was submitted to an independent laboratory by Ameriden. The laboratory tests were ran by lot number and the results were posted. Ameriden did not give the laboratory the company names of those lot numbers so that an unbiased test couild be performed.
While Oleuropein is the ingredient most studied, there are in fact 95 different chemicals in the leaf and a balance of ingredients seems to work the best. This product contains no fillers nor simple olive leaf powder which is quite inexpensive.
Finally, remember that certain infections can be dangerous or even life threatening. Always see your doctor first. There are effective, powerful antibiotics and antivirals which should be used if possible in these cases. However, when resistance becomes a problem, when there is no accepted treatment, or when an antibiotic is poorly tolerated, Olive Leaf Extract may be tried.
Suggested use The usual dose is one capsule 4 times daily. The dose may be increased if needed to as much as 4 capsules 4 times daily in the case of severe infections. For colds and flu take 4 capsules initially then 2 capsules every 4-5 hours for 2-3 days.
