Green Tea (<i>Camellia sinensis</i>): Hypocholesterolemic Effects in Humans and Anti-Inflammatory Effects in Animals

Abstract

In its essence, tea is an infusion of Camellia sinensis leaves and it is the most widely consumed beverage in the world, aside water. Animal and epidemiological studies have associated green tea consumption with several health benefits, which include hypocholesterolemic effect and anti-inflammatory activity. In this study catechins levels of green tea and its effect on the lipid profile of humans were evaluated as well as the protective effects against H2O2-mediated damage in human fibroblasts and anti-inflammatory activity of (−)-epigallocatechingallate (EGCG). The daily consumption of 1200 mL of green tea for 30 days by 15 human volunteers promoted the decrease of cholesterol and LDL levels after 15 days, but this effect was not persistent after 30 days. No changes were observed in lipid profile after the consumption of green tea capsules. EGCG, a major green tea catechin, demonstrated an anti-inflammatory action in rats and an antioxidant effect in cultured human fibroblasts.

Repeated dose studies with pure Epigallocatechin-3-gallate demonstrated dose and route dependant hepatotoxicity with associated dyslipidemia

“…EGCG may promote steatosis and not suitable for decreasing plasma lipids [37] . In one clinical study, administering EGCG capsule or GTE with a per day consumption of 366 and 970 mg respectively, appeared to decrease serum lipid profile for the initial 15 days as a acute effect, but this effect was not persistent after 30 days of continuous consumption, in both healthy and slightly hypercholesterimic volunteers [56] . Of particular interest, in parallel to increase in EGCG dosage, we observed a pattern of dose dependant increase in serum triglycerides, LDL and total cholesterol.…”

Development of Nanoemulsion Based Gel Loaded with Phytoconstituents for the Treatment of Urinary Tract Infection and in Vivo Biodistribution Studies

“… 3 Green tea catechins (GTCs) are also known to exhibit a range of pharmacological and biological effects like anti-microbial, 4 anti-inflammatory and many more. 5 , 6 Most of the polyphenols present in green tea are flavanols that can be categorised as catechins 7 and are accountable for anti-microbial activity. 4 GTCs are reported to exert antibacterial action by binding to the outer cell membrane and cause cell leakage leading to ultimate cell lysis/death.…”

Protective Effects of Green Tea and Moringa Leave Extracts and Their Bio-Yoghurts against Oxidative Effects of Lead Acetate in Albino Rats

“…In human trail, 15 human volunteers had subjected to the daily consumption of 1200 ml of green tea for 30 days. The results showed that the uptake of green tea promoted the decrease of total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels after 15 days [82].…”