Olive Leaf Extract for AIDS and HIV

by Sharon Ann Meyer

Financially stressed people are often unable to buy food, micronutrient supplements or enteral products. Yet, many of these individuals are advocates and users of alternative treatments. One alternative product that is currently in use is olive leaf extract (OLE). The extract has been featured in a newsletter that many HIV-challenged individuals read. This holistic treatment newsletter reports OLE is in use throughout the United States. Considering the author’s report, people living with AIDS, across the US, are satisfied users of OLE. Users note an improvement in immune system parameters. People supposedly experience a variety of other benefits as well.

It's surprising that at the time of this writing (August 1996) a comprehensive search of the world wide web (WWW), MEDLINE and AIDSLINE revealed only two additional sources concerning information on OLE. One WWW article written by an anonymous author states the report is similar to information supplied by a major supplier of OLE capsules. According to the author, olive oil has been used for burns, inflammation of the mucous membranes, malaria, the discomfort of teething, fevers, venereal disease, ear aches, and heart disease.

Proponents insist OLE has powerful antiviral, antifungal, antibacteria and antioxidant properties. The discovery of OLE was said to begin with knowledge of a bitter compound from the olive tree leaf called oleuropein. Another substance derived from oleuropein (referred to as elenolic acid) supposedly also has beneficial properties.

Sources report that protocols including OLE will benefit not only persons with AIDS but those who are immune compromised and chemically impaired, persons with systemic yeast infections and cancer patients. Unfortunately, as this OLE proponent notes some end stage cases may not benefit because the information may not be known in time!!

The minimum protocol includes the use of OLE, a prescription medicine, and a lemon and olive oil drink. A number of other supplements are also encouraged. The olive leaf extracts in this product purportedly include a strong complement of flavonoids. Research suggests isoflavones and other phytochemicals reduce the risk for heart disease, osteoporosis and certain cancers. Limonene, contained in the peel of citrus fruits, is one of the best known phytochemicals.

Users report that monotherapy with the OLE product is not as effective as the combination protocol. It's notable that, individual names, addresses and telephone numbers are given as testimonials. Besides these testimonials a physician is reported as saying that if the product were effective he could not discuss it because the FDA would classify the product as an unapproved new drug and it would be removed from the market.

Based on the report of an interview with someone who is said to be the first ‘test case’ another compound is recommended as an addition to the original protocol. Eden is sometimes taken with Cat's Claw, vitamin C, 3TC, DDI, and protease inhibitors. Distributors note OLE is not taken before bedtime because it may provide the user with excess energy.

Side effects reported as a result of treatment with this product are headaches, flu-like symptoms, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint soreness, low grade fevers, and rash. It’s rumored these symptoms are positive signs and that effects last from a few days to no more than three weeks. The total monthly cost of treatment, with the four part protocol, is enough money for an individual to buy two weeks of wholesome food. This $110 figure includes the cost of OLE, which can be more than $60.00 a month.

Comparisons of the two major informational sources concerning OLE reveal both used the same 13 references. Medical references on the olive leaf (Olea Europaea) are prominent but they are not catalogued in the AIDSLINE or MEDLINE database at the National Library of Medicine. Human studies appear to be lacking. Up to the date of this article's publication, repeated AIDSLINE and MEDLINE searches did not provide a single reference about olive oil extract, olea europaea, or oleuropein.

© 1996 Sharon Ann Meyer, (Excerpted from the HIV ReSource Review, Volume 1 Issue 2, Sept/Oct 1996)

Sharon Ann Meyer, A.S., A.A., D.T.R. is the President of HIV ReSources, Inc., a Florida based company that distributes resources on nutrition and HIV/AIDS. Involved in the nutritional aspects of HIV/AIDS care since 1988, she is the Editor-In-Chief of the HIV ReSource Review a newsletter that presents literature reviews of HIV/AIDS and nutrition- related topics. Sharon is a member of numerous professional and community groups and has worked as a Nutrition Education Program Coordinator and Clinical Dietetic Technician serving hospitals and ASOs in the Fort Lauderdale, Florida area. Visit her web site, HIV ReSources, Inc. at http://www.hivresources.com.