Olive Leaf Extract Helps Protect Your Brain

Olive leaf extract is an antioxidant nutrient with potent immune boosting activity. It has also gained notoriety for its ability to lower blood pressure, cholesterol, and even help gout. A new study shows that olive leaf extract¹ also provides a high level of protection for the brain including helping the blood-brain barrier. This may be of significant importance for individuals when combating a bug.

The animal study had a control group and various groups fed different amounts of olive leaf extract for 30 days. They were then subjected to a 60 minute arterial occlusion of the middle cerebral artery – inducing a stroke. The higher the amount of olive leaf extract the less the brain damage, including reduce inflammation/swelling and reduced permeability of the blood-brain barrier.

During an infection the toxins of the infection rise and can cross a more permeable blood-brain barrier and induce significant brain stress. In fact, new science has demonstrated that those with cognitive problems can experience significant cognitive deterioration from a flu bug – deterioration that may not go away after the bug is gone. It is like a toxic thunderstorm going through the nervous system. The brain protection demonstrated in this study suggests that taking olive leaf extract during a time of immune-support need will provide protection to your nerves in part by supporting the integrity of your blood-brain barrier. This provides another aspect as to why olive leaf extract is so helpful during times of immune-related need.