Comvita New Zealand has obtained Ministry of Science funding to undertake clinical trials for its freshly picked Olive Leaf Extract.
Dr Ralf Schlothauer, Comvita's chief technical officer, said the aim of the trials is to extend knowledge of the many benefits to consumers of taking the extract. The cardiovascular health benefits
are well documented, but there is still room to study the many other health-supporting qualities, including absorption and metabolism.
The clinical trials are being conducted in New Zealand by Auckland University's Liggins Institute and in the UK by the University of Reading.
A small-scale, pre-study bioavailability trial is being held at the Liggins Institute to confirm the proposed doses to be used for the main trial.
The trial will have 47 male participants and will be managed by The Liggins Institute. UK-based, independent consultant, Dr Michele Sadler will be advising the researchers, with results anticipated by mid-2012.
