Researchers tested a supplement made from oil palm plant parts to see if it could help people’s hearts and bodies fight damage. In a 60-day study with 97 healthy adults, people who took a small dose of this supplement (250 mg daily) had lower blood pressure by the end. People taking higher doses showed better protection against cell damage in their bodies. The supplement didn’t change cholesterol levels, but it did seem safe and might be useful as a daily health supplement. Scientists say more research is needed to find the best dose and see if benefits last over time.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a powder supplement made from oil palm plant waste could lower blood pressure and help the body’s natural defense system against damage
  • Who participated: 97 healthy adults with no serious health conditions, divided into four equal groups receiving different amounts of the supplement or a fake pill for 60 days
  • Key finding: People taking 250 mg daily had noticeably lower blood pressure after 60 days, and those taking higher doses (1000-1500 mg) showed stronger natural defenses against cell damage
  • What it means for you: This supplement may help maintain healthy blood pressure at modest doses, but it’s still experimental. Talk to your doctor before trying it, especially if you take blood pressure medication or have heart concerns

The Research Details

This was a carefully controlled experiment called a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was getting the real supplement and who was getting a fake pill until the study ended. This prevents bias from affecting the results. The 97 healthy adults were randomly split into four groups: one received a placebo (fake pill), while the other three groups received different amounts of the supplement (250 mg, 1000 mg, or 1500 mg) every day for two months. Researchers measured blood pressure and checked blood samples at the start, after 30 days, and after 60 days to track changes.

The supplement itself was made from leftover parts of oil palm fruit processing—basically waste material that normally gets thrown away. Scientists extracted the healthy plant compounds (called polyphenols) and put them into a powder form inside capsules. This is a smart way to use agricultural waste and test whether these plant compounds have real health benefits for people.

This study design is important because it removes guessing and personal beliefs from the results. By using a placebo group, researchers can tell whether real changes come from the supplement or just from people expecting to feel better. The double-blind part means neither the participants nor the scientists measuring results knew who got what, preventing unconscious bias. Testing at multiple time points (day 0, 30, and 60) shows whether benefits happen quickly or take time to develop.

This study has several strengths: it used a proper control group, was double-blinded, and measured multiple health markers. However, it only lasted 60 days, so we don’t know about long-term effects. The study included only healthy people, so results might differ for people with existing health problems. The sample size of 97 is moderate—larger studies would give more confidence in the findings. Published in Scientific Reports, a reputable peer-reviewed journal, which adds credibility.

What the Results Show

The most important finding was that people taking the lowest dose (250 mg daily) had lower blood pressure after 60 days. Their systolic pressure (the top number) dropped in a statistically significant way, and their diastolic pressure (the bottom number) dropped even more noticeably. This is interesting because usually you’d expect higher doses to work better, but this supplement seemed most effective at a modest dose for blood pressure.

For the body’s natural defense system against damage (called antioxidant status), the results were different. People taking the highest dose (1500 mg) showed the strongest improvement after just 30 days. Specifically, their total antioxidant capacity—basically their body’s ability to fight harmful molecules—improved significantly. Additionally, people taking the higher doses (1000 and 1500 mg) maintained healthy levels of a protective enzyme called glutathione peroxidase, while the placebo group and lowest-dose group showed declines in this enzyme.

Interestingly, the supplement didn’t change cholesterol or other fat levels in the blood, even though researchers measured these carefully. This suggests the supplement works through different pathways than cholesterol-lowering drugs.

The study revealed a dose-response pattern, meaning different amounts produced different effects. The 250 mg dose was best for blood pressure, while higher doses were better for antioxidant protection. This suggests the supplement might have multiple beneficial compounds that work at different doses. The fact that benefits appeared at different time points (blood pressure at day 60, antioxidant capacity at day 30) indicates these are separate mechanisms of action, not just one pathway.

Previous laboratory studies suggested oil palm phenolics had potential health benefits, but this is one of the first human trials testing actual effectiveness. The blood pressure reduction aligns with what other plant-based supplements have shown, though the magnitude is modest. The antioxidant improvements are consistent with the known chemistry of polyphenols from plants. This research bridges the gap between test-tube studies and real-world use.

The study only lasted 60 days, so we don’t know if benefits continue, disappear, or change over months or years. All participants were healthy adults, so results might be different for people with high blood pressure, heart disease, or other conditions. The blood pressure reduction, while real, was modest—not as dramatic as blood pressure medications. We don’t know how this supplement interacts with medications or other supplements. The study didn’t track whether people experienced any side effects. Finally, 97 people is a moderate sample size; larger studies would provide more confidence in the findings.

The Bottom Line

Based on this early-stage research, oil palm phenolics appear safe and may modestly help blood pressure and antioxidant status in healthy people. However, this is preliminary evidence (confidence level: moderate). If you’re interested in trying this supplement: (1) Talk to your doctor first, especially if you take blood pressure medication; (2) Don’t use it as a replacement for proven treatments; (3) Look for products from reputable manufacturers; (4) Give it at least 60 days to see potential benefits. More research is needed before strong recommendations can be made.

Healthy adults interested in preventive health and natural supplements may find this interesting. People with mildly elevated blood pressure might discuss this with their doctor as a potential complementary approach. However, people taking blood pressure medications should NOT start this without medical approval, as combining treatments could cause blood pressure to drop too much. People with serious heart conditions, those pregnant or breastfeeding, and those taking multiple medications should consult healthcare providers before trying this supplement.

Based on this study, blood pressure improvements appeared after 60 days, while antioxidant improvements showed up within 30 days. However, individual responses vary. You should give any new supplement at least 8-12 weeks before deciding if it’s working for you. Don’t expect dramatic changes—the improvements seen were modest but measurable.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If using this supplement, track systolic and diastolic blood pressure weekly using a home blood pressure monitor (available at pharmacies). Record readings at the same time each day, preferably morning before taking the supplement. Also note energy levels and general wellness on a 1-10 scale daily to catch any side effects early.
  • Start by establishing a consistent daily routine: take the supplement at the same time each day with a meal. Set a phone reminder for the first month to build the habit. Pair it with other heart-healthy behaviors like a 20-minute daily walk, reducing salt intake, and staying hydrated. Track these complementary behaviors alongside the supplement to understand the full picture of what’s helping.
  • Create a simple spreadsheet or use a health app to log: (1) supplement dose taken daily, (2) blood pressure readings weekly, (3) how you feel (energy, sleep quality, mood) on a simple scale, (4) any unusual symptoms. After 8 weeks, review the data to see if there’s a pattern. Share this tracking data with your doctor at your next visit to inform decisions about continuing the supplement.

This research is preliminary and represents early-stage human testing. Oil palm phenolics are not FDA-approved medications and should not replace prescribed blood pressure treatments. Individuals with high blood pressure, heart disease, or those taking medications (especially blood pressure drugs, blood thinners, or diabetes medications) should consult their healthcare provider before using this supplement, as interactions are possible. Pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and people with allergies to palm products should avoid this supplement. This summary is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always discuss new supplements with your doctor before starting.