Effect of green tea extract on lipid profile in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Asbaghi O, Fouladvand F, Moradi S, Ashtary-Larky D, Choghakhori R, Abbasnezhad A · Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews · 2020 July

DOI 10.1016/j.dsx.2020.03.018

Objective

The study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of green tea extract (GTE) in improving the lipid profile of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), specifically focusing on serum concentrations of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglyceride (TG), and total cholesterol (TC).

Conclusions

The meta-analysis, based on seven eligible studies, revealed that supplementary intake of GTE significantly improved the lipid profile in patients with T2DM by reducing serum concentrations of triglycerides (TG). Subgroup analyses indicated that longer-term GTE intervention (beyond 8 weeks) and higher doses (>800 mg/day) resulted in a more significant decrease in serum TG concentrations. Additionally, longer interventions (>8 weeks) with doses lower than 800 mg/day led to a significant reduction in serum total cholesterol (TC) concentrations. The study suggests that GTE supplementation may be beneficial for improving the lipid profile in T2DM patients, especially with specific durations and dosages.

Critical Appraisal

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Insights

Green tea extract supplement intake reduces serum triglyceride and total cholesterol in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, especially when used long term.

A comprehensive search through popular databases such as Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus was conducted to find randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effects of green tea extract on lipid profiles in adults with type 2 diabetes. Parameters of interest included concentrations of high- and low-density lipoprotein, triglyceride, and total cholesterol. A total of 780 studies were initially retrieved and, after applying specific criteria and eliminations, seven were ultimately considered. Through the studies, it was found that taking additional green tea extract improved lipid profiles by notably decreasing triglyceride levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Further subgroup analysis, based on parameters such as the duration of interventions and dosage, showed that longer-term use of green tea extract and higher daily doses led to significant decreases in serum triglyceride concentrations. Noteworthy findings were observed where long-term interventions, combined with lower daily doses, resulted in considerable reductions in total cholesterol levels.