Olive Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Olive (Olea europaea) is a tree that has been grown for thousands of years, mainly around the Mediterranean Sea. It is the source of olives, olive oil, and olive leaf extract.

People use different parts of the plant. Olive oil comes from pressing the fruit and is a popular cooking oil and a key part of the Mediterranean diet. Olive leaf extract and olive fruit extract are sold as supplements, often standardized to contain antioxidant compounds.

Today olive products are used both as food and as dietary supplements that people hope will support heart health, the immune system, and overall wellness.

Olive contains plant compounds called polyphenols. The two most discussed are oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol. These act as antioxidants, meaning they may help protect cells from damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.

Researchers think these polyphenols may help relax blood vessels, lower inflammation, and reduce the oxidation of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, which could support heart and blood vessel health. Olive oil also provides healthy monounsaturated fats.

It's important to know that many of these mechanisms come from laboratory and animal research. What happens in a test tube does not always happen the same way in the human body.

Olives and olive oil are commonly eaten foods and are considered very safe for most people. Olive leaf and fruit extract supplements appear to be reasonably well tolerated in studies, but they have been studied less thoroughly.

If you have low blood pressure or take medicine that lowers blood pressure or blood sugar, use caution, since olive supplements might add to those effects. People scheduled for surgery may want to stop supplements ahead of time and check with their care team.

For pregnancy and breastfeeding, eating olives and using olive oil in cooking is fine. However, there isn't enough information on concentrated olive supplements, so it's safest to avoid them during this time unless your doctor says otherwise.

Always talk with a pharmacist or doctor before adding a new supplement, especially if you have a health condition or take regular medications.

Olive products are usually well tolerated. When side effects happen with supplements, they are typically mild and may include stomach upset, nausea, or headache.

Because olive may lower blood pressure, some people could feel dizzy or lightheaded. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in people sensitive to olive tree pollen. Stop using the product and seek medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.

There is no official standard dose for olive leaf or olive fruit supplements. Products vary widely in their strength and in how much oleuropein or hydroxytyrosol they contain.

The best advice is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount. For olive oil, simply using it in place of less healthy fats in your diet is the most evidence-based approach.

Because supplement quality can differ, choose products from reputable brands, and check with your pharmacist or doctor to make sure a product is appropriate for you.