I imagine many of you have recently come across the term
"Supergerms", referring to bacteria and viruses that have become
immune to any antibiotics that can be thrown at them, having mutated beyond
their control. Scientists have long been aware that this is a growing problem:
any time a condition is treated with antibiotics, surviving "invaders"
can mutate to the point where they are no longer affected by the original
medication. Stronger and stronger antibiotics then have to be used, resulting in
ever more dangerous mutations.
There are some studies
that suggest the high usage of antibiotics in animal feeds, and
therefore in our food supply, has also had a part to play in this
scenario.
In the Western World, we seem to be experiencing an
uncomfortable increase in the number of viral and bacterial problems that are
proving extremely difficult to control - AIDs, Epstein-Barr, Chronic
Fatigue, MS, Yeast infections, Lyme's disease, and many parasitic invasions as
well.
In 1999, Dr. Abigail Salyers of the University of Illinois
presented a paper at the 6th Annual Midwest Microbial Pathogenesis Meeting in
which she showed that currently 80% of the bacteria in the human colon are
genetically predisposed to become antibiotic resistant, compared to 33% only
thirty years ago.
A new problem is surfacing now, where antibiotic resistance is
being promoted by high levels of pharmaceutical drugs in our water supply (See RESOURCES
at bottom). A program I heard on NPR recently quoted one
expert as estimating that 3 BILLION prescriptions were filled in the US alone
last year. One can certainly imagine where what the patient doesn't absorb all
ends up!
What to do? Researchers are finding that the plant world is a
rich potential source of plant based remedies ( also known as
phytopharmaceuticals), and that since these herbal remedies are more
biologically complex in their actions, it is harder for the enemy germs to
mutate and avoid them.
We are familiar with the
healing roles of Goldenseal, Grapefruit Seed Extract, Echinacea, Tea
Tree Oil, Myrrh, Garlic and more.
However, none of them match the credentials of Olive Leaf Extract.
Some of the first research into this substance goes back to
the 1800s, when it was used as an anti-malarial. In fact, it was generally
acknowledged to be superior to Quinine for this, but since Quinine was easier to
administer it became the treatment of choice.
In the 1960s, the active ingredient in Olive Leaves was
identified, and some exciting results began to emerge, above and beyond its
antimicrobial and anti viral properties. It seemed as though Olive had an effect
on heart function in that it relaxed the arteries - very helpful in cases of
hypertension. It also increased blood flow to the coronary arteries, relieved
arrythmias, and inhibited the oxidation of low density lipo-proteins. This was
just icing on the cake, however, compared to the electrifying results
experienced with conditions resulting from any virus, retrovirus, bacterium or
protozoan!
A list of such conditions would include influenza,
tuberculosis, urinary tract infections, meningitis, as well as the serious
diseases mentioned in the first paragraph above. Dr. Walker Morton D.P.M.
claims " There is no better anti-protozoa remedy: it even chases out worms.
And if someone suffers with chronic fatigue syndrome, the yeast syndrome,
fibromyalgia, psoriasis or heart disease, olive leaf extract should be part of
that person's armamentarium."
I have also had anecdotal reports of the higher potency
standardized Olive Leaf extracts helping fight Lyme Disease.
In the same book I quote from above, Dr. Morton talks about
the anti-fungal properties of Olive leaf. He points out that most anti-fungal
drugs inhibit the growth of fungus, but do not eliminate it. This gives the
surviving cells a chance to mutate and become resistant to the drug. Olive leaf,
on the other hand, is fungicidal which translates to less possibility of
mutations and also less risk of re-infection. It also supports the immune
system, an important defense against such infections.
One thing health professionals make their patients aware of,
is that if they have a very heavy viral load, or are very sick, they may
experience a Herxheimer Reaction, this is a temporary worsening of their
condition as the "die-off effect" takes hold. This is where the body
experiences reactions to rapid unloading of toxins into their system which can
lead to a short-term flu like feeling: if this happens, it is wise to cut back
on the amount of the extract being used, or even to stop using it for a couple
of days until the body adjusts. Apart from this, however, there have been no
observed or reported side effects. In a sense, this is a measure of how
effective the substance is!
While I am intrigued by the benefits of Olive Leaf Extract for
the heart, and possibly its application in diabetes, and for long-term health
problems like Chronic Fatigue, I think what I find very valuable here is that we
finally have an effective response to short term attacks, such as bladder
infections, colds and flu, ear infections, and things of that nature.
This is an area in which until now herbal medicine has,
in my experience, fallen a little short of a truly successful answer. I feel
very pleased to have a new and powerful weapon in my arsenal as a defense
against both free and cell-associated viruses. Save Olive Leaf for really
serious situations, however! One does not want to run the risk of not having it
available and effective by using it daily, and perhaps having the body
habituated to its actions!
Read my article on the
Immune
System for ways to support health on a daily basis.
Renis H. In vitro antiviral activity of calcium elenolate.
Antimicrob. Agents and Chemother., 1969; 167-72.
Zarzuelo A. et al. Vasodilator effect of olive leaf. Planta Medica, 57(5):417-9,
1991; Oct.
Juven B., et al. Studies on the mechanism of antimicrobial action of oleuropein.
J. Appl. Bact. 1972; 35:559-67.
Dept. of Pharm. and Tox., Soc. of Pharm. Indus. of Tunis., Hypotension,
hypoglycemia, and hypouricemia recorded after repeated administration of aqueous
leaf extract of olea europa. Belgian Pharm. J., March-April 1994; 55(24):
1965-71.
Fleming HP,
W.W., Etchells JL, Isolation of a bacterial inhibitor from green olives. Appl
Microbiol, 1969. 18: p. 856-860.
Protective effect of
oleuropein, an olive oil biophenol, on low density lipoprotein
oxidizability in rabbits. Lipids 2000 Jan;35(1):45-54 (ISSN: 0024-4201)
Coni E; Di Benedetto R; Di Pasquale M; Masella R; Modesti D; Mattei R;
Carlini EA Food Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome,
Italy. e.coni@iss.it.
On the basis of the results obtained with pilot studies
conducted in vitro on human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and on cell cultures
(Caco-2), which had indicated the ability of certain molecules present in olive
oil to inhibit prooxidative processes, an in vivo study was made of laboratory
rabbits fed special diets. Three different diets were prepared: a standard diet
for rabbits (diet A), a standard diet for rabbits modified by the addition of
10% (w/w) extra virgin olive oil (diet B), a modified standard diet for rabbits
(diet C) differing from diet B only in the addition of 7 mg kg(-1) of oleuropein.
A series of biochemical parameters was therefore identified, both in the rabbit
plasma and the related isolated LDL, before and after Cu-induced oxidation. The
following, in particular, were selected: (i) biophenols, vitamins E and C, uric
acid, and total, free, and ester cholesterol in the plasma; (ii) proteins,
triglycerides, phospholipids, and total, free, and ester cholesterol in the
native LDL (for the latter, the dimensions were also measured); (iii) lipid
hydroperoxides, aldehydes, conjugated dienes, and relative electrophoretic
mobility (REM) in the oxidized LDL (ox-LDL). In an attempt to summarize the
results obtained, it can be said that this investigation has not only verified
the antioxidant efficacy of extra virgin olive oil biophenols and, in
particular, of oleuropein, but has also revealed a series of thus far unknown
effects of the latter on the plasmatic lipid situation. In fact, the addition of
oleuropein in diet C increased the ability of LDL to resist oxidation (less
conjugated diene formation) and, at the same time, reduced the plasmatic levels
of total, free, and ester cholesterol (-15, -12, and -17%, respectively), giving
rise to a redistribution of the lipidic components of LDL (greater phospholipid
and cholesterol amounts) with an indirect effect on their dimensions (bigger by
about 12%).
*Product is shipping with 24 business hours on all in stock product. Back
ordered items generally ship with 5 to 7 business days. If your order will
not be shipped for longer than 10 business days, we will notify you by email.
**See our
Shipping Policy for
heavy items.
Prices subject to change without notice.
