Home Ingredients Olivactive® (Olive Leaf Extract for Immune Support — Pharmactive)
Immune Support

Olivactive® (Olive Leaf Extract for Immune Support — Pharmactive)

Olea europaea
Evidence Level
Limited
3 Clinical Trials
7 Documented Benefits
2/5 Evidence Score

Olivactive® is Pharmactive Biotech Products' olive leaf (Olea europaea L.) extract, standardized to at least 22.2% Oleuropeosides® by HPLC (≥20.2% secoiridoids including ≥20% oleuropein, plus ≥2% bioflavonoids). Distinct from Pharmactive's other olive leaf ingredient Isenolic®, which is standardized to elenolic acid for cold/flu (neuraminidase inhibition). No published study has tested the Olivactive branded extract itself. The closest human research used generic olive leaf extract: in one small trial of 32 high school athletes, it did not reduce how often they got sick, though those who did get sick reported about 28% fewer sick days. The antimicrobial and antioxidant effects described for oleuropein come from laboratory cell studies, not from people. Sourced in Spain.

Studied Dose No dose of the branded Olivactive extract has been tested in a published trial. The athlete study used an olive leaf extract providing 100 mg of oleuropein a day for 9 weeks; the blood pressure meta-analysis used about 500 mg a day of olive leaf extract in people who already had high blood pressure.
Active Compound Olive leaf (Olea europaea L.) extract standardized to ≥22.2% Oleuropeosides® (≥20.2% secoiridoids incl. ≥20% oleuropein, plus ≥2% bioflavonoids).

Benefits

Antimicrobial activity, but only in laboratory cell studies

Oleuropein slows the growth of some bacteria, viruses and fungi in laboratory dishes. The study cited here (PMID 36830607) used a cell model with herpes simplex virus. All of this work is in cell culture, not in people, so it does not show that taking Olivactive fights any infection in the body. No human study has tested whether this extract acts against a germ in a person.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 1

Macrophage and granulocyte stimulation

This is a proposed laboratory mechanism, not something measured in people. None of the four references on this page measured macrophage or granulocyte activity in humans taking olive leaf extract, and no study has tested the branded Olivactive extract at all. Treat it as a theory about how olive leaf compounds might act, not as a demonstrated effect of the supplement.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 3

Reduced sick days in athletes

In a randomized trial of just 32 high school athletes over a 9 week season, olive leaf extract providing 100 mg of oleuropein a day did not reduce how many athletes came down with an upper respiratory illness. That was the trial's main question and it failed (odds ratio 1.02, 95% confidence interval 0.21 to 4.44, a range so wide it tells us very little). Among those who did get sick, reported sick days were about 28% lower (odds ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.93, p=0.02). With only 32 people this is a small, preliminary result, and the product tested was a generic olive leaf extract, not Olivactive.

Supported by Trial 1

Anti-inflammatory activity

Oleuropein and related compounds (oleacin, oleuropein-aglycone) lower inflammatory signals in cultured cells. That is cell-dish work only. Whether taking olive leaf extract changes inflammation in a healthy person has not been shown by anything cited here. The one human study on this page that measured inflammatory markers was a hospital trial in people already admitted with COVID-19 (PMID 36319585), which is treatment research in diagnosed patients and says nothing about what a supplement does for a healthy consumer.

Supported by Trial 2, Trial 3

Cardiovascular and metabolic support

A meta-analysis of 5 randomized trials (325 adults in total) found that olive leaf extract at about 500 mg a day lowered systolic blood pressure and LDL cholesterol. Two important limits: everyone in those trials already had prehypertension or diagnosed high blood pressure, so this is research in people with a condition and does not show what happens in someone with normal readings, and the trials used generic olive leaf extract rather than Olivactive.

Supported by Trial 3

IFN-γ production support (preclinical)

None of the studies cited on this page measured interferon-gamma, so there is no evidence here behind this idea. Any claim that olive leaf extract raises interferon-gamma should be treated as unverified until a study that actually measured it is cited.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 2

Antioxidant phenolic content

The only antioxidant evidence cited on this page is a laboratory study in cultured cells (PMID 36830607). No human study here measured antioxidant status, oxidative stress or LDL oxidation in people taking olive leaf extract, so antioxidant benefits for someone taking this supplement are unproven.

Supported by Trial 3, Trial 2

Mechanism of action

1

Oleuropein antimicrobial activity

In laboratory studies oleuropein can slow the growth of some bacteria, viruses and fungi, apparently by disrupting their membranes and interfering with their metabolism. The cited study of this type (PMID 36830607) used a cell model with herpes simplex virus. None of this involved people taking a supplement.

2

Immune cell stimulation (macrophages, granulocytes)

The proposed mechanism is that olive leaf compounds prompt phagocytic immune cells such as macrophages and granulocytes into action. No study cited on this page measured these cells in people taking olive leaf extract, so this is a hypothesis rather than a demonstrated effect of the product.

3

Anti-inflammatory effects on senescent cells

Olive leaf bioactives (oleacin and oleuropein-aglycone) have documented anti-inflammatory effects on senescent endothelial cells and small airway epithelial cells. Aging cells are thought to contribute to low grade inflammation. This work is entirely in cell cultures, so it is a starting point for research, not a reason to expect effects on aging or lung health in people.

4

Nitric oxide production enhancement

Cell studies suggest oleuropein can raise nitric oxide output in macrophages, which in theory would help both blood vessel function and the killing of microbes inside immune cells. None of the references cited on this page measured nitric oxide, so this remains an untested idea for people taking the supplement.

5

LDL oxidation inhibition (antioxidant)

In test tube experiments oleuropein slows the oxidation of LDL cholesterol particles. No study cited here tested this in people, and slowing a reaction in a test tube does not by itself mean anything for a person's arteries.

Clinical trials

1
Olive Leaf and Illness in 32 High School Athletes: Main Outcome Was Null

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of olive leaf extract (20 g leaf equivalent, containing 100 mg oleuropein) in high school athletes during competitive season. 9-week intervention. Published in Nutrients 2019 (PMID 30744092). It tested a generic olive leaf extract, not the Olivactive branded extract.

32 high school students competing at elite sports level. 9-week intervention during competitive sport season.

The main outcome failed: there was no significant difference in how many athletes came down with an upper respiratory illness (odds ratio 1.02, 95% CI 0.21 to 4.44). The secondary finding was a 28% reduction in sick days among those who did get ill (odds ratio 0.72, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.93, p=0.02). With only 32 participants and a very wide confidence interval on the main result, this is preliminary, and it does not show that olive leaf prevents infections.

2
Oleuropein Anti-Inflammatory Mechanism — In Vitro Studies

In vitro studies examining anti-inflammatory effects of olive leaf extract and its bioactive compounds (oleacin and oleuropein-aglycone) on senescent endothelial cells (HUVECs) and small airway epithelial cells. This cell study is not among the four PubMed references verified for this page, and cell culture work cannot show what a supplement does in a person.

Not applicable — in vitro cell culture studies on multiple human cell lines.

Olive leaf extract and its bioactive compounds demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity on LPS-treated monocyte/macrophage cells (THP-1), endothelial cells (HUVECs), and senescent HUVECs. Activity also extended to Poly(I:C)-treated small airway epithelial cells (modeling viral respiratory infection). Results in cultured cells are a research lead only and do not translate into a benefit you can expect from taking the supplement.

3
Olive Leaf for Cardiovascular and Metabolic — Class Evidence

The verified evidence here is a systematic review and meta-analysis of 5 randomized trials (325 adults) of olive leaf extract at about 500 mg a day, published in PeerJ 2021 (PMID 33868820). Every participant already had prehypertension or high blood pressure. Other trials previously named on this page were not among the verified references and have been dropped.

325 adults with prehypertension or diagnosed high blood pressure, pooled from 5 randomized trials.

Pooled results showed lower systolic blood pressure and lower LDL cholesterol with olive leaf extract. Because the participants already had elevated blood pressure, these findings describe research in that group and not a benefit for someone with normal readings. The extract studied was generic olive leaf, not Olivactive, and no serious side effects were reported.

Side effects and drug interactions

Common Potential side effects

Generally well tolerated in the trials cited, though those were small and short (the athlete trial ran 9 weeks in 32 people); the long-term safety of concentrated extracts is not well studied.
Mild GI effects rare.
Possible mild blood pressure lowering — relevant for those on antihypertensive medications.
Possible mild blood sugar lowering — relevant for diabetic patients on glucose-lowering medications.
Possible mild blood thinning effect — relevant before surgery.
Olive leaf is often marketed as immune stimulating, but that effect is not proven in people. If you have an autoimmune condition, check with your clinician before using it.
Pregnancy and lactation: dietary olive products are safe; supplemental concentrations less well-characterized.

Important Drug interactions

Antihypertensive medications — possible additive BP-lowering effect; monitor BP.
Diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — possible additive glucose-lowering; monitor blood glucose.
Insulin specifically — olive leaf may affect insulin signaling; monitor blood glucose carefully.
Anticoagulants — possible mild interaction; monitor INR with warfarin.
Immunosuppressants — theoretical interaction via immune-stimulating mechanism; consult prescriber if on transplant immunosuppression or autoimmune therapy.
Pregnancy and lactation: consult clinician for supplemental doses.

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Frequently asked questions about Olivactive® (Olive Leaf Extract for Immune Support — Pharmactive)

What is Olivactive?

Olivactive® is Pharmactive Biotech Products' olive leaf (Olea europaea L.) extract, standardized to at least 22.2% Oleuropeosides® by HPLC (≥20.2% secoiridoids including ≥20% oleuropein, plus ≥2% bioflavonoids).

What is Olivactive used for?

Olivactive is researched primarily for Immune Support. Oleuropein slows the growth of some bacteria, viruses and fungi in laboratory dishes. The study cited here (PMID 36830607) used a cell model with herpes simplex virus.

What is the recommended dosage of Olivactive?

The clinically studied dose is No dose of the branded Olivactive extract has been tested in a published trial. The athlete study used an olive leaf extract providing 100 mg of oleuropein a day for 9 weeks; the blood pressure meta-analysis used about 500 mg a day of olive leaf extract in peo… Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

Is Olivactive safe, and does it have side effects?

For most healthy adults, Olivactive is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Generally well tolerated in the trials cited, though those were small and short (the athlete trial ran 9 weeks in 32 people); the long-term safety of concentrated extracts is not well studied. Mild GI effects rare. It may also interact with some medications. Olivactive is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Does Olivactive interact with any medications?

Possible interactions include: Antihypertensive medications — possible additive BP-lowering effect; monitor BP. Diabetes medications (metformin, sulfonylureas, insulin) — possible additive glucose-lowering; monitor blood glucose. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

How strong is the scientific evidence for Olivactive?

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Olivactive as Limited (2 out of 5). It is backed by 3 clinical trials and 4 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.

References(4 citations)

Evidence ratings on NutraSmarts are based on the totality of human clinical research, with emphasis on randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews. The references below directly support claims made throughout this page.

  1. Somerville V, Moore R, Braakhuis A The Effect of Olive Leaf Extract on Upper Respiratory Illness in High School Athletes: A Randomised Control Trial Nutrients. 2019;11(2):358. doi: 10.3390/nu11020358.PubMedUsed to support: RCT (n=32 high school athletes, 9 weeks) of olive leaf extract providing 100 mg oleuropein a day. The primary outcome was null: no significant difference in illness incidence (OR 1.02, 95% CI 0.21 to 4.44). Sick days were 28% lower among those who did fall ill (OR 0.72, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.93, p=0.02). Compound-level (oleuropein standardized) human evidence, not Olivactive® brand-specific.
  2. Ahmadpour E, Toulabi T, Yadegarinia D, Yarahmadi S, Mohammadi R, Keyvanfar A Efficacy of olive leaves extract on the outcomes of hospitalized covid-19 patients: A randomized, triple-blinded clinical trial Explore (NY). 2023;19(4):536-543. doi: 10.1016/j.explore.2022.10.020.PubMedUsed to support: Randomized trial in patients hospitalized with COVID-19. This is hospital treatment research in people with a diagnosed infection, so it cannot be used to suggest that olive leaf extract helps a consumer prevent or treat COVID-19 or any other infection. It does not support any claim made on this page.
  3. Ismail MA, Norhayati MN, Mohamad N Olive leaf extract effect on cardiometabolic profile among adults with prehypertension and hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis PeerJ. 2021;9:e11173. doi: 10.7717/peerj.11173.PubMedUsed to support: Meta-analysis of 5 RCTs (n=325) in adults who already had prehypertension or high blood pressure: olive leaf extract at 500 mg a day lowered systolic blood pressure and LDL. The findings apply to that group rather than to healthy consumers, and they do not support this page's immune or antioxidant claims.
  4. Pennisi R, Ben Amor I, Gargouri B, Attia H, Zaabi R, Ben Chira A, Saoudi M, Piperno A, Trischitta P, Tamburello MP, Sciortino MT Analysis of Antioxidant and Antiviral Effects of Olive (Olea europaea L.) Leaf Extracts and Pure Compound Using Cancer Cell Model Biomolecules. 2023;13(2):238. doi: 10.3390/biom13020238.PubMedUsed to support: In vitro (cell culture) study of antiviral (HSV-1) and antioxidant activity of olive leaf extract and oleuropein. Laboratory evidence only, so it cannot support any claim about what happens in people, and it is the sole antioxidant evidence cited on this page.