Olive Leaf Extract Supplementation Improves Postmenopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study on Postmenopausal Women.

2024-11-14
Nutrients 16(22)
- Maria Imperatrice
- Anissa Lasfar
- Colin A J van Kalkeren
- Freddy Troost

PubMed: 39599665
DOI: 10.3390/nu16223879

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 60 healthy postmenopausal women aged 47-70 years
Methods: randomized, double-blinded parallel study design, OLE (250 mg/day) or placebo supplementation for 12 weeks
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: 12 weeks
Funding: Unclear

Rigorous Journal

Menopause negatively impacts women's health. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate whether an olive leaf extract (OLE) improves postmenopausal symptoms, body composition, handgrip strength and blood lipid profile in postmenopausal women. In a randomized, double-blinded parallel study design, 60 healthy postmenopausal women aged 47-70 years received either OLE (250 mg/day) or placebo supplementation for 12 weeks. Postmenopausal symptoms were assessed with the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQoL), the Hot Flash Interference scale (HFI), and body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) with a DXA scan; the lipid profile was measured in the blood serum. After six and twelve weeks of OLE supplementation, the overall MENQoL score significantly improved (estimated mean difference [-0.4-0.2], p = 0.027) compared to the placebo. A significant improvement (+0.017 [0.003, 0.030], p = 0.019) was recorded in the BMD in the right arm in the OLE group compared to the placebo. The intervention did not affect other body composition outcomes. TG concentrations and the TG/HDL-C ratio were significantly decreased (-0.1 [-0.2, 0.0], p = 0.010; -0.1 [-0.2, -0.0], p = 0.029, respectively) in the OLE group compared to the placebo. Twelve weeks of daily OLE supplementation improved postmenopausal symptoms. Further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the observed effects.

Research Insights

Olive→Improved Body Composition
The intervention did not affect other body composition outcomes.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
250 mg/day
Olive→Improved Quality of Life
After six and twelve weeks of OLE supplementation, the overall MENQoL score significantly improved (estimated mean difference [95% CI]: -0.2 [-0.4-0.2], p = 0.027) compared to the placebo.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
250 mg/day
Olive→Increased Bone Mineral Density
A significant improvement (+0.017 [0.003, 0.030], p = 0.019) was recorded in the BMD in the right arm in the OLE group compared to the placebo.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
250 mg/day
Olive→Reduced Hot Flash Interference
The abstract does not report a significant effect for Hot Flash Interference scale; it is mentioned as an outcome assessed but no specific significant result is provided, implying no significant effect.
Effect
Neutral
Effect size
Small
Dose
250 mg/day
Olive→Reduced Triglyceride Levels
TG concentrations ... were significantly decreased (-0.1 [-0.2, 0.0], p = 0.010 ...) in the OLE group compared to the placebo.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
250 mg/day
Olive→Reduced Triglyceride to HDL Cholesterol Ratio
TG/HDL-C ratio were significantly decreased ... (-0.1 [-0.2, -0.0], p = 0.029, respectively) in the OLE group compared to the placebo.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Small
Dose
250 mg/day