Comvita New Zealand is undertaking clinical trials on the health benefits of olive leaf extracts after receiving funding from the Ministry of Science.

The ancient natural remedy is known to have cardiovascular health benefits and despite many studies already done, Comvita believes there is room to study other health-supporting qualities.

Olive tree leaves: top side.

Chief technical officer Dr Ralf Schlothauer says one of the clinical trials is to use science to extend knowledge of benefits to consumers taking olive leaf extract.

'Comvita's confidence in olive leaf extract is such that we are committed to making the investment in the dietary intervention study and matching the MSI investment funding.

'Recently voted the 2011 favourite, health and wellbeing product of the year, olive leaf extract has many loyal consumers around the world,” says Ralf.

The first clinical trial will be a bioavailability study with the aim of better understanding the absorption and metabolism of the extract.

The second clinical trial will have 47 male participants and will be managed by The Liggins Institute in Auckland.

'Comvita hopes the trials will provide further validation of olive leaf extract for increasingly discerning consumers, as well as gaining approval for a health claim by the European Food Safety Authority,” says Ralf.