Cholesterol-Lowering Effect of a Theaflavin-Enriched Green Tea Extract

OVERVIEW - [Dr. David] Maron and colleagues studied the impact of a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract on the lipid and lipoprotein levels of subjects with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial in China. A total of 240 men and women 18 years or older on a low-fat diet with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia were randomly assigned to receive a daily capsule containing theaflavin-enriched green tea extract (375 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. Main outcome measures were mean percentage changes in total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels compared with baseline.

BACKGROUND - Tea consumption has been associated with decreased cardiovascular risk, but potential mechanisms of benefit are ill-defined. While epidemiologic studies suggest that drinking multiple cups of tea per day lowers low-density lipoprotein [i.e. "bad"] cholesterol (LDL-C), previous trials of tea drinking and administration of green tea extract have failed to show any impact on lipids and lipoproteins in humans. Our objective was to study the impact of a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract on the lipids and lipoproteins of subjects with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.

METHODS - Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial set in outpatient clinics in 6 urban hospitals in China. A total of 240 men and women 18 years or older on a low-fat diet with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia were randomly assigned to receive a daily capsule containing theaflavin-enriched green tea extract (375 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks. Main outcome measures were mean percentage changes in total cholesterol, LDL-C, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglyceride levels compared with baseline.

RESULTS - After 12 weeks, the mean ± SEM changes from baseline in total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglyceride levels were -11.3% ± 0.9% (P = .01), -16.4% ± 1.1% (P = .01), 2.3% ± 2.1% (P = .27), and 2.6% ± 3.5% (P = .47), respectively, in the tea extract group. The mean levels of total cholesterol, LDL-C, HDL-C, and triglycerides did not change significantly in the placebo group. No significant adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSION - The theaflavin-enriched green tea extract we studied is an effective adjunct to a low-saturated-fat diet to reduce LDL-C in hypercholesterolemic adults and is well tolerated.

AUTHORS - David J. Maron, MD; Guo Ping Lu, MD; Nai Sheng Cai, MD; Zong Gui Wu, MD; Yue Hua Li, MD; Hui Chen, MD; Jian Qiu Zhu, MD; Xue Juan Jin, MS; Bert C. Wouters, MA; Jian Zhao, PhD

From the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tenn (Dr Maron); Rui Jin Hospital, Shanghai, China (Dr Lu); Zhong Shan Hospital, Shanghai (Dr Cai and Ms Jin); Chang Zheng Hospital, Shanghai (Dr Wu); Xin Hua Hospital, Shanghai (Dr Li); Heart and Lung Hospital, Shanghai (Dr Chen); First Hospital, Wuxi, China (Dr Zhu); Nashai Biotech LLC, Nashville (Mr Wouters and Dr Zhao). Dr Maron is a consultant to Nashai Biotech, LLC. Mr Wouters was a Vice President of Nashai Biotech, LLC, when this study was conducted. Dr Zhao is the Chief Science Officer of Nashai Biotech, LLC. Drs Lu and Ms Jin received grants from Kebao Biotechnology Co, Ltd, Shanghai.

-June 23, 2003

CLOSE WINDOW


www.tributetea.com