Olive Leaf

http://www.positivehealth.com/permit/Articles/Antioxidant/jack21.htm

Phenolic compounds derived from the leaves, fruits and oil of the olive tree (Olea europaea L) have long been known to have anti-oxidative properties.40–44

The weight of evidence from the in vitro and in vivo studies strongly favours beneficial effects of olive tree extracts in the fight against infectious diseases as well as cardiovascular disease, and, on the whole, calcium elenolate and oleuropein at therapeutic doses appear to be safe and well tolerated in animals.

Not only are Olea europea-derived compounds active against infectious organisms; they also appear to have some interesting effects on the cardiovascular system that are unrelated to their antioxidant properties (see later), including blood-pressure- lowering and anti-arrhythmic actions, and effects on coronary blood flow in certain situations.

40 out of 43 patients with impaired immunity showed improved immune status (details of how this was assessed were not given) while three remained unchanged. It is unclear how long patients were continued on treatment, but some appear to have responded within a matter of a few days or weeks.

157 out of 164 patients with respiratory diseases or lung conditions (tonsillitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, pneumonia, bronchitis) recovered fully and six improved (one patient was unaccounted for in the article);

150 out of 209 patients with viral or bacterial skin infections fully recovered and 59 improved;

relief of arthritic inflammations; reduction of insulin dosages in diabetics; elimination of the symptoms of chronic fatigue syndrome; increased energy/stamina; improved blood flow in cardiovascular disorders; lessening of haemorrhoid pain; attenuation of toothaches; elimination of fungal infections such as onychomycosis and tinea pedis; prevention or cure of numerous viral infections; relief of many of the symptoms of Candida albicans and other yeast infections; and elimination of a variety of parasites including protozoa and helminth worms.48

http://www.manyhands.com/articles/olive.html

In 1969, a major pharmaceutical company's researchers found that olive leaf inhibits the growth of every virus, bacterium, fungus, yeast, and protozoan that it was tested against. The company's research indicated that Olive Leaf Extract is effective against a minimum of 56 disease-causing organisms.

In studying and working with herbs since the 1970s, I have never come across an herb that does so much. No wonder the olive leaf or branch (tree) is called the "Tree of Life," having such life-giving properties.

http://vitanetonline.com/forums/1/Thread/812

A 2002 study conducted at the University of South Australia compared the effectiveness of some of the typical components of the Mediterranean diet, including oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, as reactive oxygen species inhibitors and free radical scavengers. Researchers also examined their capability in protecting against low-density lipoprotein oxidation in vitro. Results clearly indicated that these components are potent inhibitors of free radical generation, as well as effective free radical scavengers.* 5

http://intelegen.com/ImmuneSystem/olive_leaf_extract_natural_defen.htm

With the threat of bioterrorism looming larger, a report in Dr. Morton Walkers book, Natures Antibiotic: Olive Leaf Extract is of particular interest. Dr. Walker noted that this natural substance is toxic to bacteria-caused diseases like anthrax and botulism. (1) Furthermore, it is well-known that wastewater from olive oil mills kills aerobic spore-forming bacteria. Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis) is spore forming and aerobic. (2)

An in vitro study revealed that oleuropein and its derivative hydroxytyrosol act as natural antibiotics against a range of gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. Most impressively, these two components of olive leaf inhibited Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria responsible for many hospital-acquired infections. (4-5) Staphylococcus aureus is notorious for its ability to mutate against antibiotics, and there are few antibiotics left to wipe out this life-threatening micro-organism.