Reactions to Olive Leaf Extract

Olive leaf has been used as a medicine since at least 3,500 B.C. Originally grown on the island of Crete, it was most commonly used to clean wounds. According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, laboratory testing has found it possesses antioxidant properties and antimicrobial properties, making it potentially useful against a variety of infections. It has also demonstrated cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar lowering properties. Based on current research as of 2011, this herb does not appear to pose any major health risks but it has not been as extensively studied as other natural treatments, which means it could possess dangers not yet discovered.

Allergic Reactions

• The presence of certain symptoms after starting olive leaf extract could indicate an allergic reaction. If you notice itching, swelling, rash, trouble breathing, difficulty swallowing or any other unusual symptoms, discontinue use immediately.

Medication Interactions

• According to Drugs.com, a website that compiles information from various medical databases, no known drug interactions exist. Because of its potential to lower cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, using olive leaf at the same time as medications used for these purposes could prove problematic. If you have an interest in using herbs or other natural supplements to manage health problems, you might require dosage adjustments for your prescription medications and you should only make these changes under the supervision of your physician.

Other Safety Concerns

• Safety for use during pregnancy or nursing has not been established so you should avoid use in both of these instances. Using olive leaf extract does not appear to pose any risks for toxicity. No contraindications -- circumstances where you should not use olive leaf -- have been established. As mentioned, using it at the same time as certain medications could prove problematic in theory.

Dosing

• Because olive leaf has not been as thoroughly studied for treating particular conditions, no standard recommended dosage exists. Taking too much could potentially cause negative reactions. A study comparing olive leaf extract to a common blood pressure medication, appearing in the February 2011 issue of "Phytomedicine," used a dosage of 500 mg twice a day. If you have an interest in using olive leaf extract for any purpose, consider consulting with a health care practitioner well-versed in herbal medicine, such as a naturopathic physician, for guidance.