Olive Leaf Extract: Nootropic Benefits, Dosage & Side Effects

Olive leaf extract offers significant cognitive benefits, including memory enhancement, mental clarity, and neuroprotection.

Rich in compounds like oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, it reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in the brain.

This article explores its nootropic properties, proper usage, potential side effects, and comparisons with other cognitive enhancers.

We’ll examine scientific evidence supporting its benefits and discuss how to incorporate olive leaf extract into your supplement regimen for optimal brain health.

What Is Olive Leaf Extract?

Olive leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the olive tree (Olea europaea), native to the Mediterranean region.

It is derived through a careful extraction process which involves drying the leaves and then using a solvent, often ethanol or water, to extract the beneficial compounds.

The extract’s bioactive compounds primarily provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Because of that, they contribute to benefits like neuroprotection, memory enhancement, and smooth blood flow in the brain.

Apart from its cognitive benefits, olive leaf extract is also used for improving cardiovascular health, maintaining antimicrobial activity, and controlling blood sugar levels.

What Are the Key Active Compounds in Olive Leaf Extract?

Olive leaf extract is rich in several compounds which have a wide range of beneficial properties:

1. Oleuropein: Reduces oxidative stress, raises BDNF levels, and stimulates neurotransmitters (acetylcholine and dopamine)
2. Hydroxytyrosol: Protects cells from oxidative damage, reduces the formation of amyloid plaque
3. Tyrosol: Enhancement of antioxidant enzymes e.g. superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)
4. Oleanolic acid: Inhibition of inflammatory pathways e.g. NF-κB and MAPK, reduction of inflammatory enzymes e.g. COX-2 and iNOS
5. Flavonoids: Support immune function, enhance neuroplasticity

What Are the Nootropic Benefits of Olive Leaf Extract?

Olive leaf extract offers various nootropic benefits, influencing cognitive functions like memory, mental clarity, and neuroprotection. Its active compounds work synergistically to enhance brain health and cognitive performance.

Let’s explore how these benefits manifest and the science behind their impact on the brain.

Can Olive Leaf Extract Enhance Memory?

Yes, Olive leaf extract increases the production of acetylcholine which enhances memory functions.

Moreover, oleuropein increases BDNF levels in the brain, promoting neurogenesis and synaptic plasticity, which is crucial for learning and memory retention.⁽¹⁾

A study, involving 60 elderly participants, showed that taking olive leaf extract for 12 weeks improved short-term memory.⁽²⁾

Does Olive Leaf Extract Enhance Mental Clarity & Sharpness?

Yes, Flavonoids in the extract help boost mental sharpness by enhancing neuroplasticity in the brain.⁽³⁾

A study found that oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol accumulate in the brain indicating the transfer of nutrients and oxygen-rich blood, leading to improved mental clarity.⁽⁴⁾

Hydroxytyrosol also enhances dopamine signaling to alleviate mood disorders and brain fog.

What Role Does Olive Leaf Extract Play in Neuroprotection?

Olive leaf extract provides neuroprotection, especially against age-related neurodegenerative disorders, by:⁽⁵⁾

1. Reducing oxidative stress
2. Decreasing inflammation
3. Inhibiting the aggregation of toxic proteins associated with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases
4. Promoting the clearance of these toxic proteins

A study shows oleuropein, luteolin, and hydroxytyrosol reduce lipid peroxidation and inflammation in the brain.⁽⁶⁾

Another study found that oleuropein aglycone, a compound derived from oleuropein, reduces the formation of amyloid plaques, a precursor for Alzheimer’s disease, by about 50%.⁽⁷⁾

How Should You Take Olive Leaf Extract?

The best time to take olive leaf extract depends on your specific goals and individual response.

Morning dosing may boost energy for some and evening dosing could improve sleep quality for others.

For optimal absorption and to minimize gastrointestinal discomfort, take the extract with meals.

What Is the Recommended Dosage of Olive Leaf Extract?

Dosage recommendations typically range from 500 mg to 1000 mg per day of standardized olive leaf extract containing 20-25% oleuropein.

Some studies have used higher doses of up to 1000 mg twice daily for specific conditions like hypertension.⁽⁸⁾

Results can vary widely, with some effects like antimicrobial benefits noticeable within days, while more substantial benefits may take several weeks to months.

The study by Sarbishegi et al. (2014) mentioned earlier observed improvements in short-term memory after 12 weeks of supplementation in elderly participants.⁽²⁾

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Olive Leaf Extract?

Olive leaf extract’s potential side effects can vary, owing to individual responses and the intended time of its use.

Some people may experience mild side effects, which can include:

1. Gastrointestinal discomfort
2. Headaches
3. Dizziness
4. Fatigue

Note: For long-term safety, use the extract only within the recommended dose range.

Who Should Avoid Taking Olive Leaf Extract?

While olive leaf extract is generally safe for most people, certain individuals should avoid taking it or use it with caution:

1. Pregnant or breastfeeding women
2. People with low blood pressure
3. Individuals with diabetes
4. Those with autoimmune conditions
5. People scheduled for surgery
6. Individuals with allergies to olive products

Can Olive Leaf Extract Interact with Medications?

Olive leaf extract can potentially interact with certain medications, which may lead to adverse effects.

Here are some key interactions to consider:

1. Blood pressure medications: May lead to hypotension (low blood pressure)
2. Diabetes medications (e.g. metformin or insulin): Can lower blood sugar levels
3. Blood thinners (e.g. warfarin): Could have mild blood-thinning properties
4. Chemotherapy drugs: Can affect its oxidative mechanisms to kill cancer cells
5. Immunosuppressants: Could be harmful for organ transplants or autoimmune diseases

How Does Olive Leaf Extract Compare to Other Nootropics?

Compared to synthetic nootropics like piracetam or modafinil, olive leaf extract is a natural alternative that has milder side effects.

However, its cognitive-enhancing effects can take longer to manifest.

Here’s a brief comparison with some other popular nootropics:

1. Bacopa Monnieri: Both are known for their antioxidant properties and memory-enhancing effects
2. Lion’s Mane Mushroom: Has more pronounced effects on nerve growth factor (NGF) production as compared to the anti-inflammatory properties of olive leaf extract
3. Ginkgo Biloba: Both supplements are known for their antioxidant properties and benefits for blood circulation
4. Rhodiola Rosea: Known for its adaptogenic properties and reducing fatigue, olive leaf extract’s benefits are focused on providing neuroprotection

Can Olive Leaf Extract Be Stacked with Other Supplements?

Olive leaf extract can be stacked with other supplements to potentially enhance its effects or create a more comprehensive nootropic regimen.

Here are some potential stacking options for olive leaf extract:

1. Omega-3 fatty acids: Better protection against neurodegenerative disorders
2. Vitamin D: Improved mood and greater help against depression symptoms
3. Curcumin: Reduced risk of cognitive decline
4. Green tea extract: Both are rich in polyphenols, resulting in enhanced mental alertness
5. Resveratrol: Enhanced blood flow in the brain and reduced oxidative stress

1. Carito, Valentina, et al. “Effects of olive leaf polyphenols on male mouse brain NGF, BDNF and their receptors TrkA, TrkB and p75.” Natural Product Research 28.22 (2014): 1970-1984.↩
2. Sarbishegi, Maryam, Fereshteh Mehraein, and Mansooreh Soleimani. “Antioxidant role of oleuropein on midbrain and dopaminergic neurons of substantia nigra in aged rats.” Iranian biomedical journal 18.1 (2014): 16.↩↩
3. Cichon, Natalia, et al. “Flavonoids as a natural enhancer of neuroplasticity—An overview of the mechanism of neurorestorative action.” Antioxidants 9.11 (2020): 1035.↩
4. Parisio, Carmen, et al. “Extra virgin olive oil and related by-products (Olea europaea L.) as natural sources of phenolic compounds for abdominal pain relief in gastrointestinal disorders in rats.” Food & function 11.12 (2020): 10423-10435.↩
5. Casamenti, Fiorella, and Massimo Stefani. “Olive polyphenols: New promising agents to combat aging-associated neurodegeneration.” Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics 17.4 (2017): 345-358.↩
6. Farr, Susan A., et al. “Extra virgin olive oil improves learning and memory in SAMP8 mice.” Journal of Alzheimer’s disease 28.1 (2012): 81-92.↩
7. Grossi, Cristina, et al. “The polyphenol oleuropein aglycone protects TgCRND8 mice against Aß plaque pathology.” PloS one 8.8 (2013): e71702.↩
8. Susalit, Endang, et al. “Olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract effective in patients with stage-1 hypertension: comparison with Captopril.” Phytomedicine 18.4 (2011): 251-258.↩