Scientists in New Zealand say that fresh olive leaf extract may help prevent type 2 diabetes in those at high risk after research showed it improves insulin sensitivity in overweight men.
The clinical trial, conducted by researchers at The Liggins Institute at The University of Auckland, is due to be published in a leading medical journal next month.
The extract, which was prepared by natural health and beauty products firm Comvita, “was associated with an improvement in insulin action and insulin secretion”.
Comvita CEO Brett Hewlett said the company was very pleased with the results, adding that the study “underscores the potential for efficacious, proven natural products to play an integral role in improving health outcomes”.
