Olive leaf was first used medicinally in Ancient Egypt.

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History of The Olive Tree.

Olive Leaf Extract INCI Name Olea Europaea Leaf Extract CAS 84012-27-1 Olea Europaea Leaf Extract Olive Leaves Extract photo picture image The olive tree is the most important oil producing plant in the world, both in history and modern commerce. It is native to the Mediterranean region and grows well in all Mediterranean climates around the world. The first olive tree may have been planted on the Acropolis by Athena during an argument with Poseidon over the possession of Attica, and everafter the winners of Olympic competitions were crowned with olive wreaths in homage to Athena. In ancient times it was even a capital offense to cut down an olive tree in parts of Greece!

 Olive trees are a subtropical, broad-leaved, perennial trees which produce edible fruit. Its ancestor, Oleastro, dates back millions of years. Archaeological records indicate olives have been eaten for over 35,000 years, and that man has cultivated the tree for at least 6,000 years. The long, rich tradition of the olive tree, which Sophocles described as "the tree that stands unequaled," is woven through the tapestry of human history. Moses decreed that men who cultivated the olive tree leaf be exempt from serving in the army. The olive oil is symbolic of purity and goodness, while the olive branch represents peace and prosperity. The oldest known record of olive oil is on earthenware tablets from 2500 BC, from the island of Crete, in the reign of King Minos. Today, there are some 5 million acres of almost 800 million olive trees throughout the world. Olive trees range in height from 10 to 40 feet or more and can reach a great age,some olive trees in the eastern Mediterranean are estimated to be over 2,000 years old.

 Olive leaf was first used medicinally in Ancient Egypt. It is gaining recognition as a powerful defender against sickness and numerous scientific studies have been conducted to investigate the extract?beneficial properties. The reported benefits of olive leaf extract's range from promoting increased energy and healthy blood pressure, to supporting the cardiovascular system, and the immune system. Contains 500mg herb per tablet (6% Oleuropein). Suitable for vegetarians.

 The olive tree came from Asia Minor and spread along the coasts of the Mediterranean, in the area between the 30th and 45th parallels. The use of olive oil is said to have originated in Syria where the first olive trees were cultivated. The uses of olive oil extended well beyond the kitchen. The oil was used as a fuel for lamps and also as anodyne for burns and wounds. Olive trees extended into the Mediterranean where the climate was highly conducive to their cultivation. Olive trees quickly spread to Crete, flourishing in the island's dry climate. Cretans became wealthy by exporting the olive oil and making lotions and cosmetics from olive trees. An entire shipping fleet was made for selling olive oil to the Egyptians and the Greeks, carrying large quantities of oil in amphorae (vase-like jars) known as pithoi.

 It is said that in Italy there is an olive tree that is 3500 years old. Olive trees can be seen as a symbol of tradition and a witness of eras gone by. It is a bearer of long forgotten times and legacies. This is one of the reasons why the olive tree is regarded as a symbol of patience: looking at an olive tree gives a feeling of serenity, peace and tranquility. Furthermore, the olive tree is the symbol of immortality: it gives power to kings and priests, and its boughs crown heroes and Olympic champions.

 The cultivation of olive trees has produced over 900 varieties of olives from which to press oil. Olive trees are propogated from cuttings. When the cutting has taken root under special care in the greenhouse, it is ready to be planted in the ground. Depending on the type of olives desired, anywhere from fifty to three hundred olive trees could be planted per acre. The first fruit will appear after four years, and the olive trees reach peak production between twelve and fifteen years. Young unripened olives are green with a smooth, tight skin. Mature olives are black with a wrinkled skin. Sizes range anywhere from the small Nicoise olive to the giant Kalamata.

 The wood of the olive tree resists decay, and when the top of the olive tree is killed by bad weather or human mistakes, a new trunk will grow back from the roots. Despite harsh winters and burning summers, olive trees continue to grow and produce fruit. The olive tree branches are able to carry a large amount of fruit on their numerous twigs, which are so flexible that they sway with the slightest breeze but remain very strong.

 Olive tree leaves are thick and leathery. Each leaf grows over a 2-year period and flowers bloom in late spring. They are small and white, grouped in loose clusters in the axels of the leaves. There are two different kinds of flowers: perfect flowers, containing both male and female parts, which are capable of developing into the olive fruits; and staminate flowers, male only, which contain the pollen-producing parts.

 The thin spiky leaves are a dark green on top with a silver scaly underside and they live for about three years before being replaced by new leaves. The olive tree bears fruit from five years but does not mature until 20 and can live for over 100 years. Even when the tree dies, shoots sprout up from the base, replacing the old trunk, eventually becoming new trees themselves.

 While Olive Leaf Extract in capsule form is new, the knowledge of the medicinal properties of the tree (Olea europaea) date back to the early 1800's where it was used in liquid form as a very effective treatment for malarial infections. According to the 1854 Pharmaceutical Journal of Provincial Transactions, pages 353 and 354(a), the doctors at that time stated that the properties of the tree, Olea europaea, deserved more extensive investigation.

 In the early 1900's, a bitter compound was found in the leaves of certain olive trees called "Oleuropein." This compound was determined to be part of the olive tree's powerful disease resistant structure. In 1962, an Italian researcher recorded that oleuropein had the ability to lower blood pressure in animals. Other European researchers validated that claim and also found it to increase blood flow in the coronary arteries, relieve arrhythmias and prevent intestinal muscle spasms. (b) The search began for the chemical agent within oleuropein that would be the most important medically. A Dutch researcher found it. The chemical was elenolic acid. Further European research determined this compound to have strong bacteriocidal capabilities as well. (c,d,k,l) (See listing under Viruses, Bacterias and Parasitic Protozoans)
 Olive Leaf Extract INCI Name Olea Europaea Leaf Extract CAS 84012-27-1 Olea Europaea Leaf Extract Olive Leaves Extract photo picture image

 In the late 60's and early 70's, The Upjohn Companies' test studies were published by The American Society for Microbiology (e) in regards to a new multifunctional monoterpene which they had isolated from various parts of the olive tree. The compound was called calcium elenolate, a crystalline salt form of elenolic acid. When they tested this compound it was found to be virucidal against all viruses for which it was tested. The compound acted effectively at low concentrations without any harmful influence on host cell mechanisms. It was also found to be extremely safe and nontoxic, even at high doses. While it worked extremely well in-vitro, it was unsuccessful in-vitro. When injected into the blood stream, the compound bound quickly to the blood serum protein and rendered itself ineffective. They were unable to overcome this problem and terminated their research. During this same period, other companies had interest in the compound and performed various tests, but also lost interest. (f,g) Then in 1990, interest was renewed and the process of bringing the remarkable product Olive Leaf Extractto market began.

 Finally in 1995, through independent scientific research, success was achieved by East Park Research, Inc., opening the way for clinical application of this natural olive leaf extract and Olive Leaf Extract was born. This 100% natural product is classified as a food supplement and currently no other known herbal product in the history of the world is demonstrating itself to be as medicinally wide spectrum

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citations1.Olive leaf was first used medicinally in Ancient Egypt.

last edit date:1st,July.2009.