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Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Green Olive (Olea europaea) extract is a non-standardized allergenic biological product used primarily for the diagnosis and treatment of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. It belongs to the class of non-standardized plant and food allergenic extracts.
Name
Green Olive
Raw Name
GREEN OLIVE
Category
Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC]
Drug Count
3
Variant Count
3
Last Verified
February 17, 2026
About Green Olive
Green Olive (Olea europaea) extract is a non-standardized allergenic biological product used primarily for the diagnosis and treatment of IgE-mediated hypersensitivity. It belongs to the class of non-standardized plant and food allergenic extracts.
Detailed information about Green Olive
This page is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before using any medication containing Green Olive.
Green Olive (scientific name: Olea europaea) extract is a complex biological substance classified primarily as a Non-Standardized Food Allergenic Extract [EPC] and a Non-Standardized Plant Allergenic Extract [EPC]. In the clinical landscape, these extracts are derived from the fruit or pollen of the olive tree and are utilized by allergists and immunologists for two primary purposes: the diagnosis of specific allergies through skin testing and the treatment of those allergies via immunotherapy (allergy shots).
Unlike 'standardized' extracts (such as those for ragweed or dust mites), Green Olive extract is 'non-standardized,' meaning its potency is not measured by a federally mandated bioequivalent allergy unit. Instead, it is typically prepared based on weight/volume (w/v) or Protein Nitrogen Unit (PNU) concentrations. This requires healthcare providers to exercise extreme caution when switching between different manufacturers or lots, as the biological activity can vary significantly. Green Olive extracts have been utilized in clinical practice for decades, falling under the regulatory purview of the FDA’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER).
Green Olive extract functions as an antigen (a substance that triggers an immune response). When used for diagnostic purposes, such as a skin prick test, the extract is introduced into the epidermis. In individuals sensitized to olive proteins, specific Immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies bound to mast cells recognize these proteins. This recognition triggers the degranulation of mast cells, releasing histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which results in a localized 'wheal and flare' reaction (a raised bump surrounded by redness). This reaction allows the clinician to confirm a Type I hypersensitivity.
When used for immunotherapy, the mechanism shifts toward inducing 'immune tolerance.' By administering gradually increasing doses of the Green Olive antigen, the immune system undergoes a series of complex changes. This includes a shift from a Th2-dominated response (which promotes IgE production and allergy) to a Th1-dominated response. Furthermore, it stimulates the production of 'blocking antibodies' known as IgG4, which compete with IgE for the allergen, and increases the activity of regulatory T-cells (Tregs) that suppress the allergic cascade. Over time, this reduces the patient's sensitivity to environmental or dietary exposure to olive allergens.
As a biological allergenic extract consisting of various proteins and glycoproteins, Green Olive does not follow the traditional pharmacokinetic pathways of small-molecule synthetic drugs.
Green Olive extract is indicated for the following clinical applications:
Green Olive extracts are typically supplied as sterile solutions in the following formats:
> Important: Only your healthcare provider can determine if Green Olive extract is right for your specific condition and whether diagnostic testing or immunotherapy is appropriate for your clinical profile.
Dosage for Green Olive extract is highly individualized and must be determined by an allergist based on the patient's sensitivity level.
For skin prick testing, a single drop of the concentrated extract (usually 1:10 or 1:20 w/v) is applied to the skin, followed by a prick or scratch. Results are interpreted after 15–20 minutes. If the prick test is negative but the clinical history strongly suggests an allergy, a healthcare provider may perform an intradermal test using a much more dilute solution (0.02 mL of a 1:500 to 1:1000 w/v dilution).
Immunotherapy follows a two-phase schedule:
Green Olive extract is used in children, but the dosage must be adjusted based on the child's size and the severity of their allergic symptoms. Children are generally more prone to rapid systemic reactions, so the build-up phase may be more conservative. There is no specific age cutoff, but immunotherapy is rarely started in children under the age of 5 due to the difficulty of monitoring for early signs of systemic reactions and the need for frequent injections.
No specific dose adjustments are provided for renal impairment, as the proteins are metabolized proteolytically. However, the patient's overall health should be considered if they are at risk for systemic reactions.
No dosage adjustments are required for patients with liver disease, as the liver does not play a primary role in the clearance of allergenic extracts.
Elderly patients may have a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease. Because the treatment for a severe reaction (epinephrine) can strain the heart, healthcare providers must carefully weigh the risks and benefits in patients over age 65.
Green Olive extract for immunotherapy must never be self-administered. It must be given by a healthcare professional in a clinical setting equipped to handle anaphylaxis.
If a maintenance dose is missed, the next dose may need to be reduced depending on how much time has passed.
An 'overdose' in the context of allergenic extracts usually refers to the administration of a dose higher than the patient's current tolerance level. This can lead to a severe systemic reaction or anaphylaxis.
> Important: Follow your healthcare provider's dosing instructions exactly. Do not attempt to alter the schedule or self-administer these injections.
Most patients receiving Green Olive extract for testing or therapy will experience localized reactions. These are generally considered part of the expected immune response rather than a 'side effect' in the traditional sense.
> Warning: Stop the use of Green Olive extract and call your doctor or emergency services immediately if you experience any of the following signs of anaphylaxis:
There are no known long-term 'toxic' effects of Green Olive extract. Unlike many medications, allergenic extracts do not damage the liver, kidneys, or heart over time. The primary long-term risk is the development of a new sensitivity or the persistence of local site irritation. Some patients may develop small, firm nodules under the skin at injection sites (granulomas), which are harmless but can be persistent.
While Green Olive extract may not have a specific 'Black Box' for every manufacturer, the FDA requires all allergenic extracts to carry a warning regarding the risk of Severe Systemic Reactions.
Report any unusual symptoms or persistent reactions to your healthcare provider immediately. Keep a log of your reactions to help your allergist adjust your dose safely.
Green Olive extract is a potent biological agent. Its use is restricted to diagnostic and therapeutic scenarios under the direct supervision of an allergy specialist. It is not for home use. The most critical safety consideration is the prevention and management of anaphylaxis.
No specific 'branded' black box warning exists for Green Olive as a standalone entity, but the class-wide FDA warning for Allergenic Extracts applies:
Generally, Green Olive extract does not cause drowsiness. However, if a patient experiences a mild systemic reaction or receives antihistamines to treat a local reaction, their ability to drive may be impaired. Patients should ensure they feel completely normal before leaving the clinic.
Alcohol should be avoided on the day of an injection. Alcohol can dilate blood vessels and increase the rate of allergen absorption, potentially increasing the risk of a systemic reaction.
Immunotherapy can be stopped at any time, but the benefits of desensitization will be lost if the course is not completed (typically 3–5 years). There is no 'withdrawal' syndrome associated with stopping Green Olive extract, but allergic symptoms will likely return to their baseline levels over time.
> Important: Discuss all your medical conditions, especially respiratory and heart problems, with your healthcare provider before starting Green Olive extract.
> Important: Tell your doctor about ALL medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, especially any medications for blood pressure or heart rhythm.
Green Olive extract must NEVER be used in the following circumstances:
Conditions requiring a careful risk-benefit analysis:
Patients allergic to Green Olive may show cross-sensitivity to other members of the Oleaceae family, including:
If you are allergic to one of these, you are highly likely to react to Green Olive extract during testing.
> Important: Your healthcare provider will evaluate your complete medical history and current medication list before prescribing Green Olive extract.
FDA Category: Not formally assigned (Biological).
Green Olive extract is considered safe for use during breastfeeding. The allergenic proteins are broken down in the mother's body and are not expected to pass into breast milk in any significant or harmful quantity. The primary concern remains the mother's safety regarding systemic reactions.
No specific studies have been conducted in patients with renal impairment. However, since the extract consists of proteins that are proteolytically degraded, renal function is not a primary factor in dosing. Caution is advised in patients with end-stage renal disease due to their overall fragile physiological state.
No dose adjustments are necessary for patients with liver disease. The metabolism of these biological proteins does not rely on hepatic enzymes like the CYP450 system.
> Important: Special populations require individualized medical assessment and close monitoring by an allergy specialist.
Green Olive extract acts as an exogenous antigen. In the diagnostic phase, it cross-links IgE antibodies on the surface of cutaneous mast cells. This triggers the release of pre-formed mediators, primarily histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. These mediators cause vasodilation (redness) and increased capillary permeability (swelling).
In the therapeutic phase (immunotherapy), the extract induces 'desensitization.' This involves:
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Bioavailability | N/A (Subcutaneous/Local) |
| Protein Binding | N/A |
| Half-life | Proteins: Minutes to Hours; Immunological effect: Years |
| Tmax | 15-30 minutes (systemic absorption) |
| Metabolism | Proteolytic degradation |
| Excretion | Renal (as peptide fragments) |
Green Olive extract is classified as a Biological Allergenic Extract. It belongs to the therapeutic category of 'Antigenic Extracts for Immunotherapy' and 'Diagnostic Antigens.' It is distinct from pharmacological agents like antihistamines or leukotriene modifiers because it modifies the underlying disease process rather than just treating the symptoms.
Common questions about Green Olive
Green Olive extract is primarily used for the diagnosis and treatment of allergies to olive pollen or olive fruit. In the diagnostic setting, it is applied during skin prick testing to see if a patient develops a localized allergic reaction. For treatment, it is used in allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) to help the body build up a tolerance to the allergen over time. This is particularly useful for patients with seasonal hay fever or asthma triggered by olive trees. It is not used as a general supplement but as a specific medical tool for allergy management.
The most common side effects are localized to the site where the extract was applied or injected. Patients frequently experience redness, itching, and a raised bump (wheal) similar to a mosquito bite. These reactions usually appear within minutes and fade within a few hours. Some patients may also experience 'delayed' local swelling that appears several hours later. While these are common, they are generally mild and do not require stopping the treatment. However, any large or painful swelling should be reported to your allergist.
It is strongly recommended to avoid alcohol on the days you receive a Green Olive injection. Alcohol causes vasodilation, which means it widens your blood vessels and increases blood flow throughout your body. This can cause the injected allergen to be absorbed into your bloodstream more quickly than intended, which increases the risk of a dangerous systemic reaction or anaphylaxis. For your safety, wait at least 24 hours after your injection before consuming alcohol. Always follow the specific safety protocols provided by your allergy clinic.
Green Olive extract is generally not started during pregnancy due to the risk of a severe allergic reaction, which could harm the developing fetus by reducing oxygen supply. However, if a woman is already on a stable 'maintenance' dose of immunotherapy and becomes pregnant, many allergists will continue the treatment. The decision is based on a careful risk-benefit analysis between the doctor and the patient. There is no evidence that the extract itself causes birth defects, but the safety of the mother is the primary concern. Always inform your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while receiving these injections.
For diagnostic testing, the results are visible within 15 to 20 minutes. However, for immunotherapy treatment, the process is much slower. Most patients do not begin to feel a significant reduction in their allergy symptoms until they reach their 'maintenance dose,' which typically takes 3 to 6 months of weekly injections. Full clinical benefits are usually seen after 12 months of consistent treatment. To achieve long-lasting or permanent results, the treatment must usually be continued for 3 to 5 years. Patience and consistency are key to the success of this therapy.
Yes, you can stop taking Green Olive extract suddenly without experiencing a 'withdrawal' syndrome like you might with some other medications. However, stopping the treatment before the recommended 3-to-5-year course is finished means that your allergy symptoms will likely return. The immune system requires a long period of exposure to the extract to create lasting 'tolerance.' If you stop early, the 'blocking antibodies' will eventually decrease, and your sensitivity to olive allergens will return to its previous level. Discuss your reasons for wanting to stop with your allergist first.
If you miss a dose of Green Olive immunotherapy, you should contact your allergist's office to reschedule as soon as possible. Do not simply wait for your next scheduled appointment. If too much time passes between doses, your sensitivity to the extract may increase, making your usual dose potentially dangerous. Depending on how many weeks you have missed, your doctor may need to reduce your next dose or temporarily go back to an earlier stage of the build-up phase to ensure your safety. Never try to 'double up' on a dose to make up for a missed one.
There is no clinical evidence to suggest that Green Olive extract causes weight gain. Unlike systemic corticosteroids (like prednisone), which are sometimes used to treat severe allergies and can cause weight changes, allergenic extracts are proteins that work specifically on the immune system. They do not affect your metabolism, appetite, or fat storage. If you experience weight gain while on immunotherapy, it is likely due to other factors or medications you may be taking, and you should discuss this with your primary care physician.
Green Olive extract can be taken with most common medications, but there are some critical exceptions. You must tell your doctor if you are taking beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, or MAO inhibitors, as these can make allergic reactions more dangerous or harder to treat. Antihistamines and certain antidepressants must be stopped before diagnostic skin testing because they can hide the results. However, most other medications for chronic conditions like diabetes or high cholesterol do not interact with allergenic extracts. Always provide a full list of your medications to your allergist.
Green Olive extract is a biological product, so the term 'generic' does not apply in the same way it does to chemical drugs like aspirin. Instead, there are several different manufacturers that produce their own versions of Green Olive extract (such as Greer, HollisterStier, or ALK-Abello). Because these are 'non-standardized' extracts, one manufacturer's product is not considered an exact 'generic' of another's. If your doctor switches the brand of extract they use, they will often reduce your dose slightly for the first injection to ensure that the new brand does not cause an unexpected reaction.