NCT07371052

Olive Leaf Extract in Handball Players

Effects of Short-Term Olive Leaf Extract Supplementation in Elite Male Handball Players

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 18 (actual)
• Sponsor: Karabuk University · Academic / Other
• Sex: Male
• Age: 18 Years – 25 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Conditions

• Handball Players

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Olive leaf extract	OLE supplement (500 mg, standardized to 25% oleuropein)
OTHER	Placebo	Sucrose capsules with the same color, scent, and size as OLE capsules.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-01-01
• Primary completion: 2025-01-15
• Completion: 2025-02-01
• First posted: 2026-01-27
• Last updated: 2026-01-27

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)