Olive Leaf, Moringa & Phellodendron: A Plain-English Guide to These Botanicals

Olive leaf and moringa are two of the most popular botanicals in the wellness world, often combined in daily formulas with herbs like holy basil and Phellodendron. Many people know olive oil and have heard of moringa, but few know what the extracts actually are. This guide explains each botanical, where it comes from, and how to read the label.

Olive Leaf: More Than Olive Oil

Most people know the olive tree (Olea europaea) for its fruit and oil. But the leaves have their own long history in Mediterranean tradition, where they were brewed as tea.

The best-known compound in olive leaves is oleuropein, a natural polyphenol that gives the leaves their bitter taste. Quality olive leaf extracts are standardized to their oleuropein content, for example "standardized to 20% oleuropein". That tells you exactly what you get.

Moringa: The "Drumstick Tree"

Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing tree native to India and grown across Africa, Asia and South America. Its long seed pods earned it the nickname "drumstick tree". In many countries, moringa leaves are eaten as a vegetable, cooked in soups and stews or dried into powder.

Moringa leaves are known for being nutrient-dense, naturally containing protein, vitamins, minerals and plant compounds. In supplements, moringa is often used as a leaf extract, sometimes standardized to saponins.

Phellodendron: A Natural Source of Berberine

Phellodendron amurense, also called Amur cork tree, is a tree from East Asia. Its yellow inner bark has been used in traditional East Asian herbal practice for a very long time. The bark is a natural source of berberine, the bright yellow compound that has become one of the most talked-about supplement ingredients. A label may state that the extract is standardized to a certain percentage of berberine.

The Supporting Botanicals

• Holy basil (Ocimum sanctum), also called tulsi, is a sacred plant in India and a classic in Ayurveda, often enjoyed as tea.
• Citrus bioflavonoids, such as hesperidin from bitter orange, are natural plant compounds found in citrus peel.
• African mango (Irvingia gabonensis) is a tree from West Africa whose seeds are traditionally used in cooking.
• Cayenne pepper adds a warming botanical note.

How to Read a Proprietary Blend

Some botanical formulas list a "proprietary blend" with one total amount, for example 800 mg, followed by the ingredients in order of quantity, largest first. That tells you which ingredients make up most of the blend, but not the exact milligrams of each. If an ingredient's exact amount matters to you, for example berberine, ask the brand or choose a product where it is listed separately.

We think honesty matters here: if a label does not list an individual amount, a brand should not claim one.

Who Should Be Careful?

Botanical blends with berberine-containing herbs are for adults. Talk to your doctor before use if you take any medication, especially for blood sugar, blood pressure or blood thinning, or if you are pregnant, nursing or have a medical condition. Berberine is known to interact with several medications.

Checklist Before You Buy

• Are botanicals standardized (oleuropein, saponins, berberine)?
• Is the plant part named (leaf, bark, seed)?
• Are amounts listed individually or as a blend?
• Is the capsule vegan, if that matters to you?
• Is it made in a GMP-certified facility?

Our Formula

SUPPLI-X Olive Leaf & Moringa Formula provides an 800 mg botanical blend per serving: olive leaf extract (20% oleuropein), moringa leaf extract (30% saponins), Phellodendron bark extract (8% berberine), citrus bioflavonoids (50% hesperidin), holy basil (2.5% ursolic acid), African mango seed extract and cayenne. Vegan vegetable capsules, gluten-free, two capsules a day, 60 capsules, made in the USA.

Looking for berberine as a single ingredient? Read our Berberine Supplement Guide.

See Olive Leaf & Moringa Formula →

FAQ

What is oleuropein?

Oleuropein is the main polyphenol in olive leaves and gives them their bitter taste. Olive leaf extracts are often standardized to it.

Why is moringa called the drumstick tree?

Because of its long, thin seed pods. Moringa leaves are eaten as a vegetable in many countries.

Does Phellodendron contain berberine?

Yes. Phellodendron amurense bark is a natural source of berberine.

Is the Olive Leaf & Moringa Formula vegan?

Yes, it uses vegetable capsules and is gluten-free.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before using any supplement.