Green tea catechins decrease total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Kim et al., 2011 | J Am Diet Assoc | Meta Analysis

Citation

Kim Amie, Chiu Andrew, ... Phung Olivia J. Green tea catechins decrease total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol: a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Diet Assoc. 2011-Nov;111(11):1720-9. doi:10.1016/j.jada.2011.08.009

Abstract

Green tea catechins (GTCs) have been studied in randomized control trials for their lipid-lowering effects. Studies, however, have been small and demonstrated conflicting results. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the relationship between GTCs and serum lipid levels, including total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database was conducted through March 2010. Randomized controlled trials evaluating GTCs vs control in human beings and reporting efficacy data on at least one of the aforementioned serum lipid endpoints were included. Weighted mean differences for changes from baseline (with 95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for lipid endpoints were calculated using random-effects models. Twenty trials (N=1,415) met all inclusion criteria. Upon meta-analysis, GTCs at doses ranging from 145 to 3,000 mg/day taken for 3 to 24 weeks reduced total (-5.46 mg/dL [-0.14 mmol/L]; 95% CI -9.59 to -1.32) and LDL cholesterol (-5.30 mg/dL [-0.14 mmol/L]; 95% CI -9.99 to -0.62) compared to control. GTCs did not significantly alter HDL cholesterol (-0.27 mg/dL [-0.007 mmol/L]; 95% CI -1.62 to 1.09) or triglyceride (3.00 mg/dL [-0.034 mmol/L]; 95% CI -2.73 to 8.73) levels. The consumption of GTCs is associated with a statistically significant reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels; however, there was no significant effect on HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Key Findings

The consumption of GTCs is associated with a statistically significant reduction in total and LDL cholesterol levels; however, there was no significant effect on HDL cholesterol or triglyceride levels.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 1415
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Anticholesteremic Agents
  • Catechin
  • Cholesterol
  • Cholesterol, HDL
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Humans
  • Lipid Metabolism
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Tea
  • Triglycerides

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: green-tea

Provenance


Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09