Polyphenol-rich olive leaf “could subtly affect insulin kinetics,” researchers from the College of the Aegean and different establishments in Greece and London reported in Utilized Sciences.
Earlier analysis has steered that olive leaf could have useful results on glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity and oxidative stress, primarily attributed to its bioactive compounds. Nonetheless, the proof is inconsistent, with various examine methodologies contributing combined outcomes.
The researchers aimed to judge the affect of olive leaf in two completely different codecs—tea and an additive to biscuits—on metabolic biomarkers. The outcomes develop the proof for the complement’s potential to assist postprandial dysmetabolism, which is a major danger issue for heart problems.
Postprandial dysmetabolism
Postprandial dysmetabolism refers back to the impaired regulation of glucose and lipid ranges after meals.
The physique should digest and take up energy-containing meals and transport carbohydrates, lipids and proteins to the liver, adipose tissue or skeletal muscle to be used or storage. Nonetheless, insulin resistance, dysfunction in pancreatic β-cells and lowered systemic lipoprotein lipase exercise can contribute to the event of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia.
Postprandial dysmetabolism is widespread in individuals with sort 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome and is a danger issue for heart problems.
Polyphenols, comparable to these present in olive leaves, could assist alleviate a number of the metabolic dysfunctions related to postprandial dysmetabolism. The principal bioactive compounds in olive leaves, oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol, have demonstrated anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antihypertensive properties.
“These polyphenols have additionally been proven to inhibit LDL oxidation, suppress pro-inflammatory cytokine manufacturing and improve insulin sensitivity—mechanisms which are notably related within the context of postprandial dysmetabolism,” the present examine famous.
Examine particulars
The crossover examine randomly assigned 36 wholesome adults to eat both a biscuit constructed from olive leaf powder, olive leaf tea or a placebo meal with a one-week washout interval between every remedy section. Individuals consumed the remedy with a standardized high-carbohydrate, high-fat meal. The researchers measured postprandial responses at baseline and one, two, and 4 hours after the meal. A complete of 25 individuals accomplished all examine procedures.
“Our outcomes confirmed no statistically vital variations in most biomarkers examined, together with insulin, glucose, ldl cholesterol (HDL, LDL, complete), triglycerides and CRP, throughout the intervention teams in comparison with the management”, the reserachers wrote, noting that this aligns with earlier proof suggesting restricted or inconsistent results of olive leaf on metabolic biomarkers.
The researchers, nonetheless, famous a delayed insulin response following olive leaf consumption with the best insulin ranges at two hours postprandially, in comparison with one hour within the management group. They steered this “could replicate extra gradual insulin launch useful for glycemic management.”
The examine acknowledged that its comparatively small pattern dimension may restrict statistical energy and referred to as for bigger future research that contain people with metabolic danger components to offer extra perception into the therapeutic potential of olive leaf.
Supply: Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(14), 7857. doi: 10.3390/app15147857. “Acute Results of Olive Leaf Tea and Olive Leaf Powder Biscuits on Postprandial Glycemia, Lipid Profile and Inflammatory Markers: A Randomized Managed Crossover Trial in Wholesome Volunteers”. Authors: P. Potsaki et al.
