Benolea OL (Olea europaea extract)

Benolea OL is a standardized olive leaf extract containing concentrated oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol that supports cardiovascular health. Clinical research demonstrates its ability to reduce blood pressure through antioxidant mechanisms and endothelial protection.

Origin & History

Benolea OL is a branded olive leaf extract derived from Olea europaea L. leaves, sourced as a byproduct from the olive oil industry in Spain. It is produced using IFF Health's proprietary EFLA HyperPure technology involving 80% ethanol extraction, patented filtration, and standardization to 30% total polyphenols including 16-24% oleuropein.

Historical & Cultural Context

No specific historical or traditional medicine context for Benolea OL is documented in the research. General olive leaf use in Mediterranean traditions for cardiovascular and antimicrobial purposes is implied but not detailed for this specific extract.

Health Benefits

• Blood pressure support - Comparable to captopril 12.5mg in one 8-week RCT with 356 stage-1 hypertension patients (moderate evidence)
• Cardiovascular protection - Through antioxidant activity of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol metabolites (preliminary evidence)
• Blood lipid protection from oxidative stress - Via high ORAC antioxidant capacity surpassing CoQ10 and green tea (preliminary evidence)
• Vascular support - Through polyphenol content equivalent to 20 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil (preliminary evidence)
• Coronary health support - Via reduction of oxidative stress markers (manufacturer claims, limited clinical evidence)

How It Works

Benolea OL works primarily through oleuropein and its metabolite hydroxytyrosol, which provide potent antioxidant activity that protects endothelial cells from oxidative damage. These compounds help maintain nitric oxide bioavailability, supporting healthy vasodilation and blood pressure regulation. The extract also protects LDL cholesterol from oxidation, reducing atherosclerotic risk factors.

Scientific Research

Benolea (EFLA 943) was studied in one double-blind RCT comparing it to captopril in 356 patients with stage-1 hypertension, showing comparable blood pressure reduction over 8 weeks. No specific PMIDs were provided in the research dossier, and no additional human trials or meta-analyses specific to Benolea were identified.

Clinical Summary

One randomized controlled trial with 356 stage-1 hypertension patients demonstrated that Benolea OL produced blood pressure reductions comparable to captopril 12.5mg over 8 weeks, representing moderate-quality evidence. Additional preliminary studies suggest cardiovascular protective effects through antioxidant mechanisms, though more research is needed to confirm long-term benefits. The evidence base is currently limited but promising for blood pressure support in mild hypertension.

Nutritional Profile

Benolea OL is a standardized aqueous extract of olive leaves (Olea europaea) rich in polyphenolic compounds. Primary bioactive: oleuropein, typically standardized to 16–24% (approximately 160–240 mg per gram of extract). Key metabolites and co-occurring compounds include hydroxytyrosol (formed via oleuropein hydrolysis, typically 1–5% of extract), tyrosol, verbascoside (acteoside), luteolin-7-O-glucoside, and apigenin-7-O-glucoside. The extract exhibits a very high ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) value reported at approximately 7,200–7,600 µmol TE/g, substantially exceeding values for CoQ10 (~500 µmol TE/g) and green tea extracts (~1,200–1,500 µmol TE/g). Typical daily dosage used in clinical trials: 500–1,000 mg extract per day (providing ~80–240 mg oleuropein daily). Negligible macronutrient content (minimal calories, protein, fat, or carbohydrate per serving dose). Trace minerals from olive leaf matrix may include calcium, iron, and selenium, but at nutritionally insignificant amounts per dose. No significant vitamin or fiber content. Bioavailability notes: oleuropein is absorbed in the small intestine and rapidly metabolized to hydroxytyrosol and its glucuronide/sulfate conjugates; peak plasma levels of hydroxytyrosol metabolites occur within 1–2 hours post-ingestion. Hydroxytyrosol has relatively good oral bioavailability (~5–10% as free form, higher when accounting for phase II conjugates). The aqueous extraction method used in Benolea enhances polyphenol solubility and may improve gastrointestinal absorption compared to crude leaf powder. The extract is essentially free of oleanolic acid and other lipophilic triterpenes due to the aqueous extraction process.

Preparation & Dosage

Clinical studies used approximately 500 mg/day of Benolea extract standardized to 30% polyphenols and 16-24% oleuropein, taken once daily. The hypertension trial used an unspecified dose of EFLA 943 extract. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Coenzyme Q10, Magnesium, Hawthorn extract, Omega-3 fatty acids, Garlic extract

Safety & Interactions

Benolea OL is generally well-tolerated with minimal reported side effects in clinical studies. Potential interactions may occur with blood pressure medications due to additive hypotensive effects, requiring medical supervision. Individuals taking anticoagulant medications should use caution as olive leaf compounds may enhance bleeding risk. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, so use should be avoided during these periods.