Resistance training with a plant-based supplement for perimenopausal symptoms and muscle health
The Effects of Resistance Training and a Sarmentosin - L-theanine Supplement on Perimenopausal Symptoms and Musculoskeletal Health: A Randomised Controlled Trial
This trial tests whether a plant-based supplement (sarmentosin + L-theanine), resistance training, or the combination can help perimenopausal women with mood, sleep, cognition, strength, and muscle mass.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 55 Years |
| Sex | Female |
| Sponsor | Leeds Beckett University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Leeds, North Humberside) |
| Trial ID | NCT07135232 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
Perimenopausal women are randomized into four groups to receive a plant-based supplement (sarmentosin + L-theanine), a placebo, supervised resistance training, or combinations of these interventions. The study measures symptoms such as mood, cognition, and sleep alongside musculoskeletal outcomes including strength and muscle mass. Researchers will examine both acute effects of the supplement on cognition and mood and longer-term responses after weeks of intake, while collecting blood samples to explore possible biological mechanisms. Participants are expected to attend laboratory visits over the intervention period and follow dietary restrictions regarding sources of sarmentosin and L-theanine.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Perimenopausal women aged 40–55 who are not currently doing regular structured resistance training, are off hormone therapy or hormonal contraception for at least a year, can attend study visits, provide blood samples, and avoid concentrated sources of sarmentosin and L-theanine are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Women with diagnosed cardiovascular disease, uncontrolled hypertension, other conditions that make exercise unsafe, those already doing frequent resistance training, or those unwilling/unable to follow the protocol or dietary limits may not receive benefit from this trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined or individual interventions could reduce common perimenopausal symptoms and help maintain or improve muscle strength and mass.
How similar studies have performed: Resistance training has established benefits for muscle health and can improve mood and some cognitive outcomes in midlife women, and L-theanine has shown short-term calming and cognitive effects, but combining sarmentosin with L-theanine and structured resistance training is a novel approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria 1. Perimenopausal women between 40 - 55 years 2. Not currently engaging in consistent structured resistance training (defined as \>3 resistance training sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks, in the past six months). 3. Not on any HRT or hormonal contraception for at least one year before initiation of the study. 4. Able to attend laboratory visits and commit to the intervention schedule for 6 months. 5. Willing to provide blood samples 6. Not regularly consuming any dietary supplements containing concentrated sarmentosin, L-theanine or other compounds that may interfere with the study intervention. 7. Willing to limit dietary intake of Sarmentosin (e.g. Blackcurrant) and L-theanine (e.g. green tea/ black tea). 8. Willing and able to provide written informed consent Exclusion criteria 1. Diagnosed cardiovascular disease (CVD), uncontrolled hypertension (\>160/100 mmHg), or other conditions that prevent safe exercise participation. 2. Clinically diagnosed mental health disorders (e.g., bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, severe depression requiring medication adjustment within the last 6 months). 3. Neurological conditions affecting cognitive function (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy). 4. Endocrine disorders that could impact hormonal fluctuations or metabolism (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes, thyroid dysfunction). 5. History of major musculoskeletal injuries (e.g., fractures, joint replacement) within the past 6 months 6. Regular use of medications that could interfere with study outcomes, including antidepressants, corticosteroids, beta-blockers. 7. Obesity (BMI \>30 or for South Asian Ethinicity BMI\> 27.5) 8. Food allergy or intolerance to study products. 9. Use of illicit drugs. 10. Alcohol intake exceeding the government guidelines of 14 standard units per week (Equivalent of 6 standard drinks). 11. Pregnant or planning to conceive during the trial. 12. High habitual caffeine intake (\>400 mg/day which is approximately 4-5 cups of coffee)
Where this trial is running
Leeds, North Humberside
- Carnegie School of Sport — Leeds, North Humberside, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Harriet Cannell
- Email: H.cannell@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
- Phone: +447805576688
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.