December 04, 2025
Medically Reviewed By Elizabeth A. Swick, MS, RDN

Olive Leaf Extract Benefits: Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties

Olive trees have been valued for their healing properties for thousands of years. But their medicinal benefits go far beyond just the fruit itself; the health benefits of olives and olive tree leaves, in particular, have been known by Mediterranean cultures to possess strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.

And modern research is now catching up to show us that ancient wisdom was right. One of the main olive leaf benefits is a compound called oleuropein, which we now know is one of the superstars in olive leaf extract, possessing anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant powers.¹

But there’s more. When we pair potent botanicals like olive leaf extract with nutrients that support bone health, which is what Body Kitchen offers in their Mega Osteo supplement, we can enhance and preserve bone strength even further.2

How? Let’s break down the science.

Polyphenols Reduce Oxidative Stress Naturally

The rockstar compound found in olive tree leaf extract is oleuropein, a polyphenol which research has shown delivers significant antioxidant support. One of the main jobs of polyphenols is to neutralize free radicals – unstable molecules that damage cells and can lead to chronic disease.

Several recent studies highlight how olive leaf extract can fight this damage and help ward off metabolic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.It may even help with bone density in post-menopausal women.^2,3,4

This could be especially helpful for people navigating:

Chronic inflammation
Cardiovascular disease
Metabolic changes during menopause
High stress lifestyles
Environmental or other chemical exposures

But the best part? Olive tree leaf extract is right from nature’s medicine cabinet. While you always need to talk with your doctor first before using any natural compounds or extracts, natural antioxidant support from something as simple as olive leaves could be a great addition to your anti-aging routine.

Why Olive Leaf Fights Inflammation

Much like the antioxidant rich properties of olive oil, the polyphenols in the olive leaves themselves are just as potent. In fact, recent research is shedding more light on this incredible compound and just how powerful it can be in fighting inflammation and aging.

A recent paper attempted to shed more light on the antioxidants in olive leaves, and what they found was insightful. While olive oil does contain a host of polyphenols, oleuropein included, olive leaves have these as well and in higher concentrations.

When the researchers studied the compounds extracted from the leaves, they found that across the board, the host of antioxidants found in olive leaf extract helped provide support in:⁵

Anti-aging and improving cellular health
Fighting infections, especially respiratory infections such as COVID
Reducing blood pressure and improving cardiovascular health

So for anyone looking to target inflammation through nutrition, olive leaf extract fits perfectly in a Mediterranean-diet style approach – rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and anti-aging compounds.

The Powerful Antioxidant Benefits Explained

Antioxidants in olive leaf extract can help our bodies in a couple of primary ways.

Anti-aging and Anti-cancer properties

The polyphenols in olive leaves have been shown to help repair cells and prevent cellular breakdown. This could help ward off metabolic diseases and may even aid in the fight against cancer.^5,6

Improving cardiovascular health

Recent research shows that olive leaf extract may play a direct role in helping reduce blood pressure as well as managing lipid levels and improving cardiovascular function.^7,8

Enhancing immune support

According to researchers, the host of polyphenols in olive leaves can help reduce the risk and severity of infections. In particular, those with COVID-19 saw significant reductions in inflammation and had less chance of a “cytokine storm” which usually leads to a more severe illness.⁵

Olive Leaf Extract for Daily Wellness

While olive leaf extract can clearly be used to ward off serious diseases, it can also be used for daily wellness, especially if you have family history of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or cancer or are easily prone to seasonal illness.

Consider adding olive leaf extract for:

Seasonal immune support: Studies show olive leaves and their polyphenols can help enhance the immune response and prevent an intense inflammatory response.⁵
General cardiovascular health: Can help keep lipid levels healthy and blood pressure regulated.⁷
Daily anti-aging and cellular protection: The polyphenols in olive leaf extract, especially oleuropein, can help combat daily stressors from the environment and everyday life.⁹
Strong bones: Our bone strength can take a hit during menopause as inflammation levels rise. Consider adding Body Kitchen’s Mega Osteo which offers olive leaf extract alongside critical bone minerals for a daily support and a “strong” long-term foundation.²

Key Compounds that Support Immune Health

Olive leaf extract provides a whole array of compounds that have been found to be very supportive to the immune system.

One group, called secioridoids, of which oleuropein is part of, have demonstrated anti-viral properties in research studies. In fact, they have been studied as helpful against many types of infections, from HIV to COVID to seasonal flu strains.¹⁰

Additionally these compounds tamp down the inflammatory response, helping the body to not overreact and cause more damage than good.

And while olive oil is known to have these compounds as well, they are found in more concentrated doses in olive leaf extract.

Make sure to keep this natural remedy in your back pocket for seasonal wellness!

Final Thoughts

Olive leaf extract benefits go far beyond ancient wisdom. Now modern research shows that the incredible polyphenols in olive leaves can help with reducing inflammation, improving the immune system, and slowing cellular aging.

And for those looking to support bone strength, joint health and lowering inflammation on all fronts, pairing potent antioxidants like olive leaf extract with targeted nutrients, such as those found in Body Kitchen’s Mega Osteo, can help you form a comprehensive, science-backed approach to optimal wellness.

Of course, always talk with your doctor first before adding any new supplements to your routine, but a healthy diet plus extra polyphenol support may just be that extra bump your bones and body could really use this season.

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