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. OLE supplementation was associated with a significant reduction in HAM-A scores, particularly psychic anxiety symptoms, together with lower TNF-α levels compared with placebo at the end of the intervention. No significant differences were observed in body composition, caloric intake, IL-6, hs-CRP, cortisol, or most metabolic parameters. Correlation analyses revealed positive associations between inflammatory markers, fat mass, and anxiety related measures. These findings provide preliminary evidence suggesting that OLE supplementation may exert beneficial effects on psychic anxiety symptomatology and inflammatory activity in women with excess weight. However, larger randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm these observations and clarify the underlying mechanisms.