Investigating the Impact of Olive Leaf Extract on Reducing Systolic and Diastolic Blood Pressure in Men with Prehypertension and Level 1 Hypertension: A Double-Blind Randomized Trial

Abstract

Aim: The present study investigated the effect of olive leaf extract (OLE) on reducing blood pressure in men with prehypertension and level 1 hypertension. Methods: The present study is a randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled trial conducted on men with prehypertension and level 1 hypertension, who were referred to Tandis Salamat Clinic in Tehran. In this regard, 54 people were randomly selected and placed in two intervention and placebo groups. The intervention groups received 500 mg of olive leaf extract and the placebo group received the same amount of starch. The participant's blood pressure was measured in three stages: pre-test, post-test, and follow-up. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS-26 software. Results: The results revealed no significant difference between olive leaf extract and placebo groups in the pre-test stage regarding systolic and diastolic blood pressures (P>0.05). However, in the post-test and follow-up stages, olive leaf extract could significantly reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressures compared to placebo (P<0.05). Conclusion: According to the results of the present study, olive leaf extract can reduce systolic and diastolic blood pressures in men with prehypertension and level 1 hypertension. The use of OLE can be a good alternative to these drugs due to fewer side effects than common drugs. However, the existence of conflicting evidence in this area makes it necessary to conduct more clinical trials.