Researchers from Arizona State University have found that an olive extract may decrease pain and inflammation, and may improved the quality of life of people suffering from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
In the study, researchers gave 90 osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis sufferers 400mg of "freeze-dried olive vegetation water" daily for 8 weeks. The participants were given three tests (Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index, Disease Activity Score With 28-Joint Count, and the Profile of Moods State questionnaire) to evaluate their physical as well as mental condition at the beginning and the end of the 8-week study. Blood samples were also taken and evaluated. The subjects with osteoarthritis who received the olive extract showed significant improvement in the Disease Activity Score With 28-Joint Count index after the intervention. The study participants with rheumatoid arthritis who were given the olive extract showed significant improvement on the Health Assessment Questionnaire–Disability Index, and showed significant decreases in serum homocysteine and plasma C-reactive protein levels after 8 weeks of treatment. Elevated homocysteine and C-reactive protein levels are markers of chronic inflammation that have been used as indicators of cardiac and diabetic risk, and are associated with higher rates of mortality from cardiac events. The study findings also noted that there were no other changes in other clinical markers including markers of kidney and liver function, "suggesting that the supplement was safe." The researchers concluded that "after a relatively short treatment with [the olive extract], subjects with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis reported decreased pain and improvement in activities of daily living."
Other studies of the olive polyphenol "oleuropein" in the last year have found that oleuropein may improve bone health by reducing inflammation. Our Olive Leaf Extract is standardized to 15% oleuropein. Learn more about how Olive Leaf Extract may benefit you.
1. Bitler, C., K. Matt, M. Irving, G. Hook, J. Yusen, F. Eagar, K. Kirschner, B. Walker and R. Crea (2007). "Olive extract supplement decreases pain and improves daily activities in adults with osteoarthritis and decreases plasma homocysteine in those with rheumatoid arthritis." Nutrition Research 27(8): 470-477.
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