Medius Major Leaf Extract
Also known as: Olive Leaf Extract, OLE, Morus alba Leaf Extract, Mulberry Leaf Extract, MLE, Olea europaea Leaf Extract
Overview
The term "Medius Major Leaf Extract" does not correspond to any recognized botanical ingredient in peer-reviewed scientific literature. However, the provided research extensively details two well-studied botanical extracts: Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) from Olea europaea and Mulberry Leaf Extract (MLE) from Morus alba. Both are classified as herbal extracts primarily utilized for their cardiometabolic and glycemic health benefits. OLE is rich in polyphenols like oleuropein and is known for its antihypertensive and lipid-lowering properties. MLE contains compounds such as 1-deoxynojirimycin, flavonoids, and phenolics, and is primarily recognized for its role in glycemic control. Both extracts have a moderate to high level of research maturity, with multiple randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses supporting their efficacy and safety in various health applications.
Benefits
Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure by approximately 5-7 mmHg in hypertensive adults, with moderate evidence quality. It also decreases total cholesterol, LDL-c, and triglycerides. While OLE shows mixed and low-quality evidence for direct glucose homeostasis, it is particularly effective in hypertensive patients, with benefits typically observed within 6-12 weeks. Mulberry Leaf Extract (MLE) demonstrates significant reductions in fasting blood glucose (-0.47 mmol/L), HbA1c (-2.92 mmol/mol), and fasting insulin (-0.58 μIU/mL), with moderate certainty evidence. These glycemic improvements are more pronounced in non-healthy adults with baseline fasting plasma glucose greater than 6.1 mmol/L and with supplementation lasting at least 8 weeks. Some lipid regulation is reported for MLE, but the data are less robust than for OLE. Both extracts may offer some anti-inflammatory benefits, though this area requires further research.
How it works
Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) primarily exerts its effects through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways. Its key active compound, oleuropein, improves endothelial function and promotes vasodilation, thereby contributing to blood pressure reduction and improved lipid profiles. OLE interacts with the cardiovascular system by modulating vascular tone and lipid metabolism. Mulberry Leaf Extract (MLE) primarily functions by inhibiting carbohydrate digestion enzymes, such as alpha-glucosidase, which reduces glucose absorption from the gut. Additionally, MLE enhances insulin secretion and improves insulin sensitivity. Its bioactive compounds, including 1-deoxynojirimycin, modulate pancreatic beta-cell function and glucose dynamics. Both extracts contain polyphenols with variable bioavailability, and their absorption can be influenced by formulation and presence of food.
Side effects
Both Olive Leaf Extract (OLE) and Mulberry Leaf Extract (MLE) are generally well-tolerated in clinical trials, with no serious adverse events reported. The most common side effect, occurring in more than 5% of users, is mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Uncommon side effects (1-5%) may include rare allergic reactions. No significant rare adverse events (less than 1%) have been documented. Due to their effects on blood pressure and blood glucose, potential interactions exist with antihypertensive medications and hypoglycemic agents; therefore, monitoring is warranted when co-administered. Caution is advised for pregnant or lactating individuals, and those with severe chronic diseases, due to limited data in these populations. The safety and efficacy in children and the elderly require further study.
Dosage
For Olive Leaf Extract (OLE), a typical dosage ranges from 250–1000 mg per day, often administered as 250 mg twice daily. Benefits are generally observed within 6–12 weeks of consistent use. A minimum effective dose of 500 mg/day has shown benefits. Mulberry Leaf Extract (MLE) dosage is more variable across studies, but clinical trials suggest that doses sufficient to deliver bioactives for at least 8 weeks are necessary for glycemic improvements. Standardized extracts targeting 1-deoxynojirimycin content are recommended for MLE. Both extracts are commonly available in capsule or tablet form, though liquid forms have also been studied. Consistent daily dosing is recommended. While a maximum safe dose is not well-defined, OLE has been used up to 1000 mg/day in clinical trials without serious adverse effects. Timing relative to meals may affect absorption, and polyphenol bioavailability can be enhanced with food or specific formulations.
FAQs
Is Medius Major Leaf Extract the same as Olive or Mulberry Leaf Extract?
No, there is no direct scientific evidence for a botanical ingredient named "Medius Major Leaf Extract." The research provided refers to well-studied Olive Leaf Extract and Mulberry Leaf Extract.
Are these extracts safe for long-term use?
Clinical trials up to 12 weeks show good safety profiles for both extracts. However, longer-term data beyond this period are limited, and ongoing monitoring is advisable.
When can benefits be expected from these supplements?
Benefits from Olive Leaf Extract for cardiovascular effects are typically observed within 6-12 weeks. For Mulberry Leaf Extract, glycemic improvements are usually noted after at least 8 weeks of supplementation.
Can these supplements replace prescribed medications?
No, these supplements are intended to support health and should not replace prescribed medications for conditions like hypertension or diabetes without direct medical supervision.
Do these extracts interact with other medications?
Yes, potential interactions exist, especially with medications for blood pressure and diabetes. Always consult a healthcare provider before combining these supplements with prescription drugs.
Research Sources
- https://peerj.com/articles/11173/ – This randomized controlled trial (n=60 hypertensive adults) investigated 12 weeks of 500 mg/day Olive Leaf Extract, showing significant improvements in metabolic parameters and inflammatory markers compared to placebo. The study, while promising, had a limited sample size and some risk of bias.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36644880/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of 12 RCTs (n=615) on Mulberry Leaf Extract demonstrated significant reductions in fasting blood glucose, HbA1c, and fasting insulin. Greater effects were observed with longer supplementation and higher baseline glycemia, with moderate certainty of evidence.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36271405/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis on Olive Leaf Extract, encompassing multiple RCTs, confirmed significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and improved lipid profiles in hypertensive adults. The evidence quality was moderate, noting some heterogeneity and the need for larger trials.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.8509 – This source, likely a systematic review or meta-analysis, supports the findings regarding Olive Leaf Extract's efficacy in reducing blood pressure and improving lipid profiles. It contributes to the overall moderate quality of evidence for these benefits in hypertensive adults.
Supplements Containing Medius Major Leaf Extract
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