Frutarom's Olive Extract in New Life Extension Product

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla.Life Extension launched a new blood pressure health supplement that contains Benolea®, an oleuropein ingredient from Frutarom. The product, Olive Leaf Vascular Support with Benolea®, touts the heart health benefits of oleuropein, the bioactive compound from olive leaf extract. Benolea, standardized to 16-percent oleuropein, has shown to  help naturally modulate blood pressure levels already within normal range, according to Life Extension.

Researchers using 1,000 mg/d of this formulation in a double blind, controlled clinical trial documented an average 11.5-point (mmHg) decline in systolic readings and 4.8-point drop in diastolic readings in eight weeks (Phytomedicine. 2011 Feb 15;18(4):251-8). 

The company said other Benolea scientific research has shown to have a positive influence on low-density lipoprotein ( LDL) cholesterol and blood sugar levels already within normal range. Furthermore, it noted Benolea has antioxidant properties and protects blood vessels against cellular damage caused by free radicals.

The highest concentrations of oleuropein, a polyphenolic iridoid glycoside, are contained in the olive leaf, a portion of the plant that is neither readily available, nor commonly consumed and which degrades during standard food processing.