Isenolic olive leaf extract helps halt viral lifecycle

MADRID, March 31, 2020 -- Pharmactive launches its non-GMO olive leaf extract (Olea europaea L) marketed under the brand Isenolic®, and grown under fully controlled conditions in the Mediterranean. The extract is standardized to ≥4% elenolic acid by HPLC. Elenolic acid has been heralded by scientific studies for its positive effect helping to prevent viral seasonal infections and promote immune health.

Olive is the first botanical species mentioned in The Bible: "The fruit will be for food and the leaf for medicine" (Ezekiel 47:12). The use of olive leaves for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were considered a divine symbol as well as a popular remedy to combat fever. Similarly, Greek culture also used it to lower fever. Today, the olive leaf is attracting attention for its myriad functional benefits for the immune and cardiovascular systems.

"Elenolic acid is one of the most important olive secondary metabolites, and used by olive trees to naturally fight phytopathogens," explains Alberto Espinel, Head of R&D at Pharmactive. "It is the main bioactive component of olive trees contributing antimicrobial and antiviral functions of olive leaves, and — as determined by scientific studies that date back several decades — specifically targeting influenza A and B types, as well as  para-influenza 1,2,3. A number of these studies demonstrate the compound's capabilities in preventing and reducing symptoms of viral and microbial infections, including shortening the duration of colds."