Madrid-based Pharmactive Biotech, S.L., has introduced a new botanical combination, Isenolic Complex, composed of the company’s branded Isenolic olive leaf extract (Olea europeana L.) and ribwort plantain (Plantago lanceolata).
 
The ingredient is water-soluble and can be formulated into foods, beverages, beverage shots, and gummies, the company said.
 
“Incorporating botanical relief formulas such as Isenolic COMPLEX into syrups, shots, candies, or chewables is more desirable for consumers who tend to avoid taking pills and tablets,” said Julia Diaz, head of marketing at Pharmactive. “They prefer enjoying a new flavor sensation that can also help relieve cold and flu symptoms when they’re not feeling well.”
 
Isenolic Complex delivers multi-target mechanisms of action, and works on several levels. The Isenolic component of the formula is standardized to 4% elenolic acid, the key bioactive of olive leaves. Scientific studies and in vitro tests have demonstrated its capacity to help curb viral life cycles and support the immune system, the company claimed. Isenolic was shown in a recent study to suppress 65% of influenza-A virus activity after infection, in vitro in an especially sensitive cell line.
 
Ribwort plantain is a source of phenylethanoids coupled with a concentration of bioavailable verbascosides. These two phytochemicals have exhibited multifaceted beneficial capabilities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, tissue-healing, and antibacterial activity against a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative pathogenic bacterial strains, including Streptococcus pneumonia.
 
“Plantain is a wild-grown, nutritious leafy vegetable that has been revered as a highly valuable medicinal food for centuries,” said Alberto Espinel, manager of strategic R&D in active and functional natural ingredients for Pharmactive. “It carries a long tradition of safe use for treating lung congestion and dry irritated coughs and is typically consumed as a warm tea concoction or hot broth. In addition to the natural helpful compounds, the leaves also contain gums that provide a soothing cough-suppressant and anti-inflammatory effect on the lower respiratory tract.”
 
“The union of two classic botanicals in one synergistic formula provides an all-encompassing solution for actively addressing certain cold and flu symptoms,” said Diaz. “It combines immune support with tissue repair properties to effectively alleviate throat irritations and mucus build-up and is perfectly suited for consumers desiring a natural agent that can target uncomfortable flu symptoms. It also answers shoppers’ demands for more versatility in delivery of active ingredients.”
 
Isenolic olive leaf extract is locally sourced from olive trees grown in Mediterranean fields and is extracted under a controlled process that ensures purity and potency. The plantain leaves are supplied by trusted farmers in Europe. Isenolic Complex carries kosher, halal and doping-free certifications.