Ann: GENERAL: CVT: Comvita trial - positive effect of Olive Leaf Extract

• Release Date: 26/06/15 10:36
• Summary: GENERAL: CVT: Comvita trial - positive effect of Olive Leaf Extract
• Price Sensitive: No
• Download Document  4.8KB

					CVT
26/06/2015 10:36
GENERAL
NOT PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 1036 HRS Comvita Limited

GENERAL: CVT: Comvita trial - positive effect of Olive Leaf Extract

Global natural health products company, Comvita (NZX:CVT) today announced 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) and demonstrate 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.

Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett said: "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 OLE components in the
blood and associate with positive changes in vascular function and
pro-inflammatory markers. Longer term epidemiological studies are needed to
establish definitive conclusions," said Professor Spencer.

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%) in 2013 up from 12.3 million (25.8%) in 1990. Most CVDs are
preventable by addressing behavioural risk factors, such as changes to diet
and lifestyle. (Source: World Health Organisation).

Mr. Hewlett said: "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. A longer and larger study
of OLE targeting cardiovascular health has been conducted with publication
expected this year. Additional trials are being considered on CVD and other
conditions."

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, 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' has a summary available online:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S0007114515001269

# Ends #

For further information:
Brett Hewlett, Comvita CEO, 021 740 160
Julie Chadwick, Comvita Communications Manager, 021 510 693

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 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, Taiwan, South Korea, the United Kingdom and the
USA.
End CA:00266218 For:CVT    Type:GENERAL    Time:2015-06-26 10:36:41