Efficacy of olive leaf extracts in controlling blood pressure in hypertensive patients: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this trial was to assess the effects of olive leaf extract (OLE) on blood pressure (BP) control in patients treated for hypertension.

METHODS

This is multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial including 621 participants who were randomly assigned to receive either oral OLE ( n  = 307) or placebo ( n  = 314). The primary outcome was the change in 24-h SBP and DBP from baseline to week-12. Secondary outcomes included the change in BP load (BPL), BP variability (BPV), metabolic parameters, C-reactive protein (CRP), and body weight.

RESULTS

OLE significantly reduced 24-h SBP compared to baseline and placebo group [respectively -6.4 mmHg (95% confidence interval, 95% CI -10 to -2.1) and -1.5 mmHg (95% CI -3.9 to 0.51); P  < 0.01]. In OLE group, systolic BPL decreased from 53.9% at baseline to 42.2% at 12-week ( P  = 0.03); in placebo group, it did not change significantly ( P  = 0.55). Diastolic BPL decreased from 30.7 to 21.2% ( P  = 0.03) in OLE group and did not change significantly in placebo group ( P  = 0.12). In OLE group, systolic BPV did not change significantly between baseline and week-12 [+2%; P  = 0.23] while diastolic BPV significantly decreased [-13.3%; P  = 0.04]. In placebo group, BPV did not change significantly at week-12 compared to baseline. OLE was associated with improvement in lipid profile and a significant reduction in blood glucose, triglycerides, CRP, and body weight. No significant adverse events were reported.

CONCLUSION

OLE can decrease 24-h BP, BPL, and diastolic BPV with improvement of lipid profile, systemic inflammation, and body weight in hypertensive patients.