Effects of green tea catechin extract on serum lipids in postmenopausal women: a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

bold>ABSTRACT</bold> <bold>Objective:</bold> Test the efficacy of a green tea catechin extract (GTE) to improve lipid profile in postmenopausal women. <bold>Methods:</bold> 886 women were enrolled and randomized to consume either 1200 mg of GTE (800 mg EGCG) or placebo, daily. Fasting serum samples were drawn for lipid panel at baseline, midpoint (month 6), and endpoint (month 12) of study for ananlysis. <bold>Results:</bold> After one year on treatment, total cholesterol (-4.6 mg/dL, P<.0001), LDL-C (-5.0 mg/dL, P<.0001), and non-HDL cholesterol (-4.4 mg/dL, P>.0001) were significantly reduced in the GTE group. The largest reductions in TC, LDL-C, and non-HDLC occurred in participants with baseline total cholesterol >200 mg/dL. HDL-C decreased slightly in the GTE group, both after 6 months on treatment (P=.0016), and overall (P=.0038). <bold>Conclusion:</bold> Daily supplementation of GTE at 1200 mg (800 mg EGCG) for one year significantly reduced levels of TC, LDL-C, and non-HDLC in a population of postmenopausal women.