CVT
09/03/2016 09:13
GENERAL
NOT PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 0913 HRS Comvita Limited
GENERAL: CVT: Comvita OLE trial shows benefits on cardiovascular health
Global natural health products company, Comvita (NZX:CVT) today announced the
results of a randomized, placebo controlled clinical study demonstrating that
intake of Comvita's Fresh-Picked Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) can positively
affect blood pressure and cholesterol levels in pre-hypertensive individuals.
The results of the study are published in the European Journal of Nutrition
(EJN) and demonstrated that taking Comvita Extra-Strength, Fresh-Picked Olive
Leaf Extract for six weeks lowered blood pressure and improved cholesterol
levels in study participants, relative to a placebo.
The clinical study involving 60 participants, was conducted in collaboration
with the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human Nutrition at the University of Reading
(UK) and the School of Food and Nutrition at Massey University in New
Zealand. This six week study builds on the findings from a similar, recent
study published in the British Journal of Nutrition by the same research
group (1).
Professor Ian Rowland, co-author of the study and Head of the Hugh Sinclair
Unit of Human Nutrition, University of Reading (UK) said, "The results are
promising and support a natural approach to helping manage cardiovascular
risk factors and overall health."
"We think this is a significant finding. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the
major cause of premature death worldwide, with clear evidence that reducing
risk factors like elevated blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol can
help prevent this disease."
"This research shows that regular use of a widely available supplement can
have a measurable, positive impact on cardiovascular health," said Professor
Rowland.
Comvita CEO Scott Coulter said: "Comvita welcomes these findings and we're
pleased to see the body of evidence strengthening in relation to Fresh Olive
Leaf Extract. We have an ongoing research programme, working closely with
the University of Reading and other research institutions, to establish links
between Olive Leaf Extract and its ability to support cardiovascular health.
This study builds on research published in 2013, which demonstrated that
supplementation with Olive Leaf Extract improved insulin secretion and
efficiency in trial participants. The results from both the 2013 study and
the current clinical trial suggest that Olive Leaf Extract supplementation
may assist in the management of risk factors associated with chronic
conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes and CVD (2)."
CVD is a class of diseases that involve the heart or blood vessels and is the
world's leading cause of death from chronic disease. The World Health
Organization's (WHO) most recent Global Update (2014) attributes 17.5 million
deaths annually to CVD, up from 12.3 million (25.8%) in 1990 (3).
Small improvements in risk factors can be significant and studies suggest
that even a 2mmHg reduction in diastolic blood pressure is associated with a
6-7% reduction in CVD risk and a 10-15% reduction in stroke and heart attack
(4) (5). On this basis, the effect of the Olive Leaf Extract on blood
pressure may be associated with a 9-14% reduction in cardiovascular risk,
making it a useful addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle.
The study was a collaboration between the Hugh Sinclair Unit of Human
Nutrition, University of Reading (UK) and the School of Food and Nutrition at
Massey University in New Zealand. 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 is titled: 'Impact of phenolic-rich olive leaf extract on blood
pressure, plasma lipids and inflammatory markers- a randomized, controlled
trial': http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00394-016-1188-y.
Ends
For further information:
Scott Coulter, Comvita CEO, 021 386 988
Neil Craig, Comvita Chairman, 021 731 509
Julie Chadwick, Comvita Communications Manager, 021 510 693
REFERENCES:
1. Lockyer, S., Corona, G., Yaqoob, P., Spencer, J. P. E., & Rowland, I.
(2015). Secoiridoids delivered as olive leaf extract induce acute
improvements in human vascular function and reduction of an inflammatory
cytokine: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial.
The British Journal of Nutrition, (15), 1-9. doi:10.1017/S0007114515001269
2. de Bock, M., Derraik, J. G. B., Brennan, C.M., Biggs, J.B., Morgan, P.E.,
Hodgkinson, S. C., Hofman, P.L., and Cutfield, W.S. (2013). Olive (Olea
europaea L.) leaf polyphenols improve insulin sensitivity in middle-aged
overweight men: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. PloS One,
8(3), e57622. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057622.
3. WHO (2013): Global action plan for the prevention and control of
non-communicable diseases 2013-2020.
http://www.who.int/nmh/publications/ncd-action-plan/en/
4. Implications of Small Reductions in Diastolic Blood Pressure for Primary
Prevention. Cook N, et al. Archives of Internal Medicine, 155(7):701-709,
April 1995.
5. The role of combination therapy in the management of hypertension. Neutel,
J. Nephrology Dialysis Transplantation, 21: 1469 - 1473, June 2006.
Background information
About Comvita (www.comvita.com)
Comvita (NZX:CVT) is a global natural health company committed to the
development of innovative products, backed by ongoing investment in
scientific research. We are the world leaders in Manuka (leptospermum) honey
and fresh-picked Olive Leaf Extract, which are at the core of the Comvita
product range.
We have approximately 50% of honey supply under direct ownership or control,
with the balance of supply from long term contractual and partnership
arrangements. Comvita pioneered the development and use of medical grade
Manuka honey and was the first to receive FDA approval (2007). We partner
with US wound care company Derma Sciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:DSCI), the global
licensee for Medihoney(R) specialist wound care products, which are used in
hospitals and medical centres around the world. Comvita's freshly picked
Olive Leaf Extract is grown, harvested, extracted and bottled at the world's
largest specialised olive leaf grove, with over one million olive trees.
Comvita sells into more than 18 countries through a network of our own
branded retail locations, online (seven country specific e-commerce websites)
and third-party outlets. We have over 500 staff located in New Zealand,
Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, the UK and the USA.
About The European Journal of Nutrition
The European Journal of Nutrition publishes original papers, reviews, and
short communications in the nutritional sciences. It has an impact factor of
3.467. The manuscripts submitted to the European Journal of Nutrition should
have their major focus on the impact of nutrients and non-nutrients on
immunology and inflammation; gene expression; metabolism; chronic diseases,
or carcinogenesis. Or, a major focus on epidemiology, including intervention
studies with healthy subjects and with patients; food safety, or
biofunctionality of food and food components.
About Callaghan Innovation, NZ
Callaghan Innovation is an NZ Government agency supporting hi-tech business
in New Zealand. They provide a single front door to the innovation system for
businesses at all stages of their innovation journey - from start-ups to the
most experienced R&D performers. They provide a range of R&D grants to add
scale, depth and return to NZ businesses R&D investments.
End CA:00278989 For:CVT Type:GENERAL Time:2016-03-09 09:13:51
