-Olive Leaf Supports Blood Sugar Balance
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Olive leaf extract lowers blood sugar levels in diabetics, according to a study published in April 2012. Olive leaf (Olea Europaea) has antioxidant and inflammation-moderating properties, and has been used historically for immune-supporting and blood-sugar balancing activity.

The subjects included 79 adults with type 2 diabetes. The subjects received 500 mg olive leaf extract daily or placebo for 14 weeks. The researchers evaluated plasma insulin levels and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), a marker of long-term blood sugar levels. In addition, diabetic and healthy rats received olive leaf extract to determine the mechanism through which olive leaf extract affected starch digestion and absorption.

The investigators found that olive leaf extract supplementation resulted in lower HbA1c and fasting plasma insulin levels compared to the placebo group. Insulin levels taken after eating a meal did not differ between the two groups. The researchers showed that in the animal models, olive leaf extract reduced starch digestion and absorption compared with rats not receiving supplementation, and the reduced digestion and absorption was observed in both the mucosal and serosal (loose, connective tissue toward the outside of the intestine) layers of the intestine.

The study authors concluded, "Olive leaf extract is associated with improved glucose homeostasis in humans. Animal models indicate that this may be facilitated through the reduction of starch digestion and absorption. Olive leaf extract may represent an effective adjunct therapy that normalizes glucose homeostasis in individuals with diabetes."

-From: RESEARCH CORNER/ VRP