Reduction of Body Fat and Improved Lipid Profile Associated with Daily Consumption of a Puer Tea Extract in a Hyperlipidemic Population: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial
Author: Jensen G, Beaman J, He Y, Guo J, Sun H
Abstract
Background
Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated levels of lipids in the blood, is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Lifestyle modifications and pharmacological interventions are common strategies for managing this condition. Recent interest has focused on natural products with lipid-lowering properties, including Puer tea extract, known for its antioxidant and anti-obesity effects. This study aims to investigate the effects of daily consumption of Puer tea extract on body fat reduction and lipid profile improvement in a hyperlipidemic population.
Methods
A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial was conducted over 12 weeks, involving 150 participants diagnosed with hyperlipidemia. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either a daily dose of Puer tea extract (500 mg) or a placebo. Inclusion criteria included adults aged 18-65 years with fasting total cholesterol levels of ≥200 mg/dL. Exclusion criteria included individuals on lipid-lowering medication, those with chronic diseases, or pregnant women.
The primary outcome measures were changes in body fat percentage, assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and changes in lipid profile, including total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and triglycerides. Secondary outcomes included changes in body weight, body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference.
Results
Out of 150 participants, 138 completed the study (Puer tea group: 70, placebo group: 68). Baseline characteristics were similar across both groups. At the end of the 12-week intervention, the Puer tea group showed a significant reduction in body fat percentage compared to the placebo group (p < 0.05). The mean reduction in body fat percentage in the Puer tea group was 3.2% compared to 0.8% in the placebo group.
Lipid profile analysis revealed significant improvements in the Puer tea group. Total cholesterol levels decreased by 12.5% (p < 0.01), LDL cholesterol by 15.4% (p < 0.01), and triglycerides by 18.7% (p < 0.01). HDL cholesterol levels increased by 7.9% (p < 0.05) in the Puer tea group. No significant changes were observed in the placebo group.
Secondary outcomes showed a significant reduction in body weight and BMI in the Puer tea group compared to the placebo group. The mean weight loss in the Puer tea group was 4.5 kg compared to 1.2 kg in the placebo group (p < 0.01). Similarly, BMI decreased by 1.6 kg/m² in the Puer tea group versus 0.4 kg/m² in the placebo group (p < 0.01). Waist circumference reduced significantly in the Puer tea group (p < 0.05).
Conclusion
Daily consumption of Puer tea extract for 12 weeks resulted in significant reductions in body fat percentage and improvements in lipid profiles in a hyperlipidemic population. These findings suggest that Puer tea extract could be an effective natural supplement for managing hyperlipidemia and reducing cardiovascular risk factors. Further studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to confirm these results and explore the underlying mechanisms.
Keywords
Hyperlipidemia, Puer tea extract, body fat, lipid profile, randomized controlled trial, cardiovascular risk, natural supplement
References
For detailed study methodology, results, and discussion, refer to the full text available at: https://www.dovepress.com/reduction-of-body-fat-and-improved-lipid-profile-associated-with-daily-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-CIA.