Helps improve resistance to microbial infection Olive Leaf Extract capsules contain significant quantities of phenolic compounds, such as oleuropein, oleuropeoside, and hydroxytyrosol, that have been shown to have antimicrobial properties, as well as antioxidant power. The olive tree (Olea europaea) contains a major class of polyphenols, the secoiridoides. These polyphenols, including oleuropein and derivatives, may provide protection against pathogenic microorganisms. Recent studies have demonstrated oleuropein?s growth inhibition of several pathogenic bacterial strains, including Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Bacillus cereus. Other studies have shown that the olive plant?s phenolics can reduce the production of toxins from Aspergillus flavus. Olive plant tissue has also been shown to reduce the oxidation of low density lipoproteins (LDL). This effect may explain some of the beneficial effects of aMediterranean diet. The antioxidant potential of Olea europaea?s polyphenolic compounds, such as oleuropein, may reduce atherogenic progression associated with heart disease. Animal studies have also demonstrated that dietary oleuropein can not only increase resistance of LDLs to oxidation, butalso support plasma levels of total, free, and esterified cholesterol. Other aspects of the olive plant?s cardioprotective properties include its vasodilator effect and its inhibition of platelet aggregation. The polyphenols of the olive plant also have hypoglycemic properties. Olive Leaf Extract may be a useful dietary supplement for those who wish to supplement with this important plant.