# Benolea (Olea europaea)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/benolea
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** Other
**Also Known As:** Olea europaea L., Olive leaf extract, European olive, Mediterranean olive, Oleuropein extract, OLE, Standardized olive leaf

## Overview

Benolea is a standardized olive leaf extract containing 15-20% oleuropein, a phenolic compound with antioxidant properties. The extract works primarily through oleuropein's ability to scavenge [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and modulate [inflammatory pathway](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s.

## Health Benefits

• No human clinical trials specifically for Benolea were identified in the research
• General olive leaf extracts contain phenolic compounds with potential health properties (evidence quality: not established for Benolea)
• Standardized oleuropein content (15-20%) suggests possible [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) (evidence quality: theoretical based on chemical composition)
• High phenolic content (up to 386 mg GAE/g) may offer protective effects (evidence quality: based on extraction data only)
• Contains bioactive compounds like hydroxytyrosol and luteolin found in olive leaves (evidence quality: chemical analysis only)

## Mechanism of Action

Benolea's primary bioactive compound oleuropein acts as a potent antioxidant by donating hydrogen atoms to neutralize [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s. Oleuropein also modulates nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathways, potentially reducing [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production. The standardized phenolic content may support cellular protection through activation of antioxidant enzyme systems.

## Clinical Summary

No human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on Benolea as a branded ingredient. Research on general olive leaf extracts suggests potential benefits, but these studies used different formulations and standardization levels. The evidence quality for Benolea's health effects remains not established due to lack of specific clinical investigation. Most olive leaf extract studies used doses ranging from 500-1000mg daily with varying oleuropein concentrations.

## Nutritional Profile

Benolea is a proprietary standardized olive leaf extract (Olea europaea), not a whole food ingredient, so macronutrient and micronutrient framing is less applicable than bioactive compound profiling. Key bioactive compounds: Oleuropein standardized at 15-20% concentration (150-200mg/g extract), representing the primary secoiridoid glycoside. Total phenolic content reported up to 386 mg gallic acid equivalents per gram (386 mg GAE/g), placing it among high-potency polyphenol extracts. Additional identified phenolic constituents include hydroxytyrosol (a primary metabolite of oleuropein hydrolysis, present at variable concentrations typically 1-5% in standardized extracts), tyrosol, luteolin, apigenin, caffeic acid, and verbascoside (acteoside). Elenolic acid is present as a hydrolysis byproduct of oleuropein. Flavonoid subfractions include rutin and quercetin derivatives. As an extract concentrate, conventional macronutrients (fat, carbohydrate, protein) are present only in trace or excipient-level amounts depending on final formulation. Fiber content is negligible in extract form. Bioavailability notes: Oleuropein undergoes intestinal hydrolysis to hydroxytyrosol, which demonstrates superior bioavailability (~55-75% absorbed) compared to intact oleuropein; absorption is enhanced with lipid co-ingestion; peak plasma concentrations of hydroxytyrosol typically reached within 1-2 hours post-ingestion. Mineral content not meaningfully documented for this extract form.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges for Benolea are available as human trials are absent. Extraction studies indicate oleuropein yields of 73.6-106.5 mg/g, but no branded product dosing has been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Benolea safety profile has not been established through specific clinical testing. General olive leaf extracts are typically well-tolerated but may cause mild gastrointestinal upset in some individuals. Potential interactions with [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) medications and diabetes drugs should be considered due to olive leaf's reported effects on these parameters. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Benolea were found in the research. The available data focuses exclusively on extraction methods and phytochemical profiles, with no PubMed PMIDs identified for branded Benolea studies.

## Historical & Cultural Context

The research provided no information on traditional or historical medicinal uses of olive leaves or Benolea specifically.

## Synergistic Combinations

No synergistic ingredients identified in research

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the oleuropein content in Benolea?

Benolea contains 15-20% standardized oleuropein content. This standardization ensures consistent levels of the primary bioactive compound responsible for olive leaf extract's antioxidant properties.

### Are there clinical studies on Benolea specifically?

No human clinical trials have been conducted specifically on Benolea as a branded ingredient. The available research focuses on general olive leaf extracts with varying oleuropein concentrations and formulations.

### How does Benolea differ from regular olive leaf extract?

Benolea is a standardized extract with guaranteed 15-20% oleuropein content, while regular olive leaf extracts may have variable and unstandardized phenolic compound levels. This standardization aims to provide more consistent potency and effects.

### What is the recommended dosage for Benolea?

No specific dosage recommendations exist for Benolea due to lack of clinical trials. General olive leaf extract studies typically used 500-1000mg daily, but Benolea's optimal dosing remains undetermined.

### Can Benolea interact with blood pressure medications?

Potential interactions may exist since olive leaf extracts have been reported to affect blood pressure. Individuals taking antihypertensive medications should consult healthcare providers before using Benolea due to possible additive effects.

### Is Benolea safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

There are no human safety studies specifically evaluating Benolea use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Due to the lack of safety data and the potent phenolic compounds present in the extract, pregnant and nursing women should consult their healthcare provider before using Benolea. It is generally recommended that supplementation be avoided during these periods without professional medical guidance.

### What are the main phenolic compounds in Benolea besides oleuropein?

Benolea contains a complex profile of phenolic compounds including hydroxytyrosol, tyrosol, and other polyphenols that contribute to its total phenolic content of up to 386 mg per unit. While oleuropein is the primary standardized marker at 15-20%, these additional phenolics are believed to contribute to the extract's antioxidant properties. The full synergistic effects of this complete phenolic profile have not been evaluated in human clinical studies specific to Benolea.

### Who should avoid Benolea supplementation?

Individuals taking blood pressure-lowering medications should exercise caution with Benolea due to potential additive effects on blood pressure regulation. Those with olive allergies or sensitivities should avoid this ingredient, and individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking anticoagulant medications should consult a healthcare provider first. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children should only use Benolea under professional medical supervision.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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