Elenolic acid

PhytochemicalSecoiridoidBest with a meal

What is it

Elenolic acid is a phenolic compound found in olives (Olea europaea), formed from the hydrolysis of oleuropein. Olive leaf extracts standardized to oleuropein or elenolic acid are marketed for immune and cardiovascular support.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Blood pressure (as olive leaf extract)

Good Evidence

Small randomized trials of olive leaf extract suggest modest reductions in blood pressure comparable to low-dose pharmacotherapy in mildly hypertensive adults.

How it works

Elenolic acid and its precursor oleuropein have antioxidant, antiviral, and antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. Olive leaf extracts have been studied for blood pressure, blood glucose, and viral infection. Specific human evidence on isolated elenolic acid is limited.

Dosage

No standardized dose for isolated elenolic acid. Olive leaf extract is typically dosed at 500-1,000 mg/day, often standardized to 10-20% oleuropein.

When and how to take it

No specific timing required. Take with food for tolerability.

1 commercial form

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Olive leaf extract

Standardized to oleuropein percentage.

Oleuropein hydrolyzed to elenolic acid and hydroxytyrosol

Safety

Olive leaf extract is generally well tolerated. Side effects can include mild stomach upset, headache, and dizziness. Long-term safety of high-dose extracts is not well characterized.

Who should be cautious

Avoid concentrated extracts in pregnancy and breastfeeding (food-level olive consumption is safe). Use caution with antihypertensive and antidiabetic medications.

Interactions

May modestly lower blood pressure and blood glucose; coordinate with relevant medications. May affect cytochrome P450 enzymes in vitro.

Food sources

Olive leaves and unprocessed olives

Amount
high oleuropein content
%DV
—

Frequently asked questions

Is elenolic acid the same as oleuropein?⌄

Elenolic acid is formed from oleuropein hydrolysis. Both occur in olive leaf and olive products.

Will olive leaf lower blood pressure?⌄

Small studies suggest modest reductions in blood pressure with regular use. Effects should not replace prescribed therapy.

References

Elenolic acid on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Elenolic acid (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.