Effects of Olive Leaf Extract on Anxiety Symptoms and Metainflammation in Women with Excess Weight: A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial

Anxiety symptomatology and excess weight are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Olive leaf extract (OLE) contains polyphenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that have shown anxiolytic-like effects in experimental models; however, evidence in humans remains limited. This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial evaluated the effects of OLE supplementation on anxiety symptomatology, inflammatory markers, and metabolic parameters in women with excess weight and mild to moderate anxiety symptoms. Participants received OLE (750 mg/day) or placebo for 12 weeks. Anxiety symptomatology was assessed using HAM-A, BAI, and STAI, while inflammatory and metabolic parameters were evaluated at baseline and post-intervention. Since the expected sample size was not achieved, our results are preliminary. No effect was observed from OLE supplementation. However, some differences within groups can direct future researchers interested in evaluating these parameters. OLE supplementation correlated with a particular reduction phenotype in anxious symptomatology (HAM-A, BAI and STAI-Trait) with inflammatory (hs-CRP) and metabolic parameters (c-HDL) that may open the possibility of an anti-inflammatory effect. In contrast, the observations in the Pb group seemed more associated with a pro-inflammatory state and a placebo effect related to somatic symptoms of anxiety. These preliminary observations need to be confirmed with larger randomized clinical trials that may help clarify these results and the possible underlying mechanisms.