Researchers gave olive leaf extract to diabetic rats and found it reduced brain inflammation and oxidative stress—two things that damage brain cells in diabetes. The extract improved blood sugar control, cholesterol levels, and restored healthy fatty acid composition in brain tissue. However, this was tested in rats over just 21 days, so we don't know yet if it works the same way in human brains or with longer-term use.

Scientists induced diabetes in rats using a chemical, then gave some rats olive leaf extract (500 mg/kg daily) for 21 days while measuring inflammation markers, oxidative stress, blood chemistry, and brain tissue composition.

Funding not disclosed in abstract