Olive leaf extract plus potassium may have cardiometabolic protective effect

The combination of olive leaf extract (OLE) and potassium appears to exert favourable effects on blood pressure (BP), lipid profile, oxidative status, and insulin sensitivity in individuals with mild to moderate BP elevation, according to a small study.

The study included 68 untreated adults with mildly to moderately elevated BP (average age 58.8 years, average BMI 27 kg/m²). These participants were randomly assigned to receive OLE–potassium supplement (1,000 mg OLE, ≥160 mg oleuropein, and 300 mg potassium per day) or placebo for 12 weeks.

At baseline, more than 70 percent of the participants were physically active, and only two in the placebo group reported smoking. Overall, systolic BP values during office BP measurement were within the range of 130–159 mm Hg at two independent visits.

The primary objective was to assess the effect of the intervention on BP and key cardiometabolic markers.

BP levels during office BP measurement dropped significantly over time in both groups. However, BP levels measured with 7-day home-based BP monitoring was significantly reduced in the supplement group than in the placebo group. Notably, morning systolic BP decreased by 5.4 mm Hg in the supplement group.

Supplementation also led to a reduction of 11.1 mg/dL in total cholesterol, 6.9 mg/dL in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and 22 mg/dL in triglycerides at week 6. Meanwhile, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol remained stable, as were fasting glucose and HbA1c. Fasting insulin and HOMA-Index decreased in the supplement group, suggesting a modest improvement in insulin sensitivity.

Finally, oxidized LDL dropped by around 23 percent, without changes in high sensitivity C-reactive protein. Quality-of-life scores remained generally unchanged, although global self-ratings favoured the supplement.

In terms of safety, the OLE–potassium supplement was well tolerated, with no product-related serious adverse events.