A study referred to as the "twins trial" has suggested that taking 1,000mg of an olive leaf extract can lower cholesterol and blood pressure in patients who have mild hypertension.

Published in the latest edition of Phytotherapy Research, the study saw researchers from Germany and Switzerland carry out a trial with 20 monozygotic twin pairs who had increased blood pressure.

It was noted that previous studies carried out on rats found that olive leaf extract was a potential treatment for lowering blood pressure.

The twins were assigned to receive different treatments and were either given capsules containing 500mg or 1,000mg of olive leaf extract EFLA943, or a placebo.

After the subjects had taken their treatment for a period of eight weeks, the researchers measured their blood pressure and collected data about their lifestyles.

General manager of Frutarom Health Cem Aydogan comments: "The study confirmed that olive leaf extract EFLA943 has antihypertensive properties in humans. This work showed that taking a 1,000mg dose has substantial effects in people with borderline hypertension."

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