Theaflavin-Enriched Green Tea Extract Lowers Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol
David J Maron, Vanderbilt Univ Med Ctr, Guo Ping Lu, Shanghai Rui Jin Hospital, Cai Nai Sheng, Shanghai Zhong Shan Hospital, Zhong Gui Wu, Shanghai Chang Zheng Hospital, Yue Hua Li, Shanghai Xin Hua Hospital, Hui Chen, Shanghai Heart and Lung Hospital, Jian Qiu Zhu, Wuxi First Hospital, Xue Juan Jin, Shanghai Zhong Shan Hospital, Bert C Wouters, Jim Zhao, Nashai Biotech LLC

Background: Epidemiologic studies suggest that drinking multiple cups of tea per day lowers low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), but previous trials of tea drinking and administration of green tea extract have failed to show any impact on lipids and lipoproteins in humans.

Hypothesis: A green tea extract enriched with theaflavins will have a favorable effect on the lipid profile of subjects with mild to moderate hypercholesterolemia.

Methods: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial involving 240 men and women age 18 years or older on a low fat diet with baseline LDL between 130-190 mg/dL in 6 outpatient clinics in China. Subjects were given a daily capsule containing theaflavin-enriched green tea extract (375 mg) or placebo for 12 weeks.

Results: Mean levels (±SEM) of total cholesterol, LDL, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and triglycerides changed by -11.3 ± 0.9% (P=0.01), -16.4 ± 1.1% (P=0.01), +2.3 ± 2.1% (P=NS), and +2.6 ± 3.5% (P=NS) respectively in the tea extract group. Mean levels of total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglycerides did not change significantly in the placebo group. No significant adverse events were observed.

Conclusions: The theaflavin-enriched green tea extract we studied is an effective adjunct to a low fat diet to lower LDL in hypercholesterolemic adults and is well tolerated.