Tea catechins reduce serum cholesterol levels in mild and borderline hypercholesterolemia patients

Blood cholesterol-lowering effect and safety of tea catechins were examined in a placebo-controlled double-blind study in which a beverage containing tea catechins (a 250 ml beverage containing 197.4 mg of catechins) was given twice a day at breakfast and dinner for 12 weeks. The subjects used were adult males and females with mild and borderline hypercholesterolemia with the range of serum total cholesterol levels 180-259 mg/dl (male/female, 38/22; age, 48+/-9 years; total cholesterol, 222+/-20 mg/dl), who were not taking drugs that may affect lipid metabolism. The study was initiated with a 2-week pre-observation period followed by a 12-week intake period and a 2-week post-observation period. The results revealed that the serum total cholesterol levels in the test beverage group (initial intake level) was significantly decreased at 8 weeks (228+/-23 mg/dl to 220+/-21 mg/dl, p<0.01) and the decrease was maintained until 12 weeks (222 +/- 20 mg/dl, p<0.05). Such significant decreases in serum cholesterol levels were not observed in the placebo group at any time points. In terms of the safety, no abnormal findings were noted in blood tests, physical measurements and interviews by physicians. Thus these results demonstrated the benefits and safety of tea catechins in individuals with mild or borderline hypercholesterolemia.