New Roots Olive Leaf Extract 500 mg, 120 Capsules

Olive Leaf Extract is an extraordinary, 100% natural herbal antibacterial/antiviral extract. Obtained from specific parts of the olive tree (Olea europaea), this phytochemical extract is not only safe, but is also a nontoxic immune-system builder.

The use of the extract of the tree (Olea europaea) dates back to the early 1800s, when it was used as an effective treatment for malarial infections. According to the 1854 Pharmaceutical Journal of Provincial Transactions, the doctors stated that the properties of the olive tree, Olea europaea, deserved much more extensive investigation for its medicinal qualities.

In the early 1900s, a bitter compound called “oleuropein” was identified in the leaves and other parts of the olive tree; this compound was determined to be part of the olive tree’s powerful disease-resistant structure. In 1962, an Italian researcher discovered that oleuropein has the ability to lower blood pressure in animals; other researchers validated that claim and also found it to increase bloodflow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmias, and prevent intestinal muscle spasms. The search began for the chemical agent within oleuropein that would be the most important medically; this chemical is elenolic acid. Further European research determined this compound to have strong bactericidal capabilities as well. In the 1970s, studies were published by The American Society for Microbiology in regards to a new multifunctional monoterpene which they had isolated from various parts of the olive tree; the compound was called calcium elenolate, a crystalline salt of elenolic acid. When tested, this compound was found to be virucidal against all the viruses tested. The compound acted effectively at low concentrations, without any harm to the host cell mechanisms. It was found to be extremely safe and nontoxic, even at high doses.

According to laboratory tests, calcium elenolate (derived from oleuropein) kills viruses by interfering with certain amino acid–production processes. This interference prevents virus shedding, budding, or assembly at the cell membrane. Studies suggest that this compound has the ability to penetrate infected host cells and irreversibly inhibit viral replication. Researchers in Europe investigated the properties of oleuropein and suggested that it inactivated bacteria by dissolving the outer lining of the microbes. More recent studies of oleuropein show that it seems to protect low-density lipoprotein (LDL) from oxidation, thus reducing LDL (bad cholesterol). Another research study in France remarks that Olea europaea leaf extracts show extremely high antioxidative qualities. The new olive leaf extract not only confirms the earlier test finding (less the serum-binding problem), but seems to show itself as an immune-system builder by directly stimulating phagocyte production (phagocytosis). It also contains natural flavonoids and esters that create a structural complex that infectious microorganisms may not readily develop a resistance to. Biochemists have determined that the extract has multiple iridoids, and that the synergy of these working together is the reason for the wide-spectrum effect.

Some people experience what is known as Herxheimer’s reaction; this is a detoxification reaction, and not a counteraction to the product. If any of these symptoms should occur—greater fatigue, diarrhea, headaches, muscle/joint aches, or flu-like symptoms—, temporarily discontinue taking olive leaf extract or cut back on the amount taken until the body can eliminate the toxic waste. Most individuals experience no such effect.

Olive leaf extract has been used clinically in its present form for years. Living up to its promising background, it has demonstrated considerable therapeutic action against many common and chronic conditions. One frequently heard comment is that people feel more energy and a greater sense of wellbeing.