Human intervention trial results show that Comvita’s Olive Leaf Extract improves cardiovascular function

Comvita, the global natural health products company, today announces the results of a human intervention trial demonstrating for the first time a positive effect between the intake of Comvita’s fresh Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) and positive short-term changes in measures associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD).

The results of the study are published in the British Journal of Nutrition (BJN) in a paper entitled ‘Secoiridoids delivered as olive leaf extract induce acute improvements in human vascular function and reduction of an inflammatory cytokine: randomised, double-blind placebo controlled, cross over trial’. The study was conducted by the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Reading. Funding for the research was equally contributed to by Comvita and an R&D Project Grant from Callaghan Innovation, the New Zealand government’s business innovation agency.

The study demonstrates for the first time that the application of a single recommended dose of Comvita OLE showed improvements in blood vessel function and a lower inflammatory marker in the blood. This compared to participants that received a placebo. The study was conducted on healthy patients. The positive effect was associated with the absorption of active phenolic components from the OLE. High levels of the pro-inflammatory marker measured in this study and poor blood vessel function are some of the key contributors to the development of CVD.

The two-day, 18 person human intervention study is the latest in an ongoing research programme being undertaken by Comvita in collaboration with the University of Reading and other internationally recognised research institutes. This research programme is exploring the effects of Comvita’s fresh OLE active phenolic components on supporting healthy cardiovascular function.

“CVD continues to be the number one cause of death globally. It has been established that most CVDs are preventable via altering diets and lifestyle,” said Professor J.P.E Spencer, Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Reading and corresponding author of the study. “This study was important to explore links between absorbed OLE components and positive changes in vascular function and proinflammatory markers. Longer term epidemiological studies are needed to establish definitive conclusions.”

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels. CVDs are the leading cause of death globally. Together they resulted in 17.3 million deaths (31.5 percent) in 2013 up from 12.3 million (25.8 percent) in 1990. Most CVDs are preventable by addressing behavioural risk factors, such as changes to diet and lifestyle. (World Health Organisation).

“We are involved in a research programme with world leading research organisations to establish links between OLE and its ability to support cardiovascular and other health functions,” said Brett Hewlett, CEO, Comvita. “A longer and larger study of OLE targeting cardiovascular health has been conducted with publication expected in 2015. Additional trials are being considered on CVD and other conditions.”