Olive Leaf Extract in Handball Players

Karabuk University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Handball Players

Treatments: Other: Placebo; Dietary Supplement: Olive leaf extract

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07371052

handball players

Details and patient eligibility

About

Olive leaf extract (OLE) is a natural supplement rich in phenolic compounds, especially oleuropein, which has antioxidant properties that may support recovery after physical exercise. While OLE has been studied for various health-related effects, its potential impact on exercise recovery and performance in elite athletes remains unclear.

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate the effects of four weeks of OLE supplementation on physical performance, sleep quality, and post-exercise muscle soreness in elite male handball players aged 18 to 25 years. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily OLE supplement (500 mg, standardized to 25% oleuropein) or a placebo for four weeks. Physical performance, sleep quality, and muscle soreness were assessed at baseline, during the intervention, and at the end of the study period. Muscle soreness was additionally evaluated at 12 and 24 hours following exercise sessions.

Enrollment: 18 patients

Sex: Male

Ages: 18 to 25 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Male elite handball players aged 18 years or older
• Free from any diagnosed chronic disease, as determined by medical history
• Not following a calorie-restricted diet within the previous six months
• No use of nutritional supplements within the previous six months

Exclusion criteria

• Age under 18 years
• Smoking or alcohol consumption
• Presence of any diagnosed chronic disease
• Adherence to a regular calorie-restricted diet within the previous six months
• Use of nutritional supplements during the previous six months

Trial design

Primary purpose: Prevention

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Triple Blind

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18 participants in 2 patient groups, including a placebo group

Study group

Experimental group

Description:

olive leaf extract supplemented

Treatment:

Dietary Supplement: Olive leaf extract

Control group

Placebo Comparator group

Description:

placebo capsule supplemented

Treatment:

Other: Placebo