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The effects of chronic tea intake on platelet activation and inflammation: a double-blind placebo controlled trial
Andrew Steptoe1, E Leigh Gibson, Raisa Vuononvirta
1Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, 1-19 Torrington Place, London WC1E 6BT, UK. a.steptoe@ucl.ac.uk
Insights
Regular black tea consumption significantly reduces platelet activation and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in healthy men. These findings suggest tea may support cardiovascular health by improving key biomarkers.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Tea consumption is linked to reduced coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, but underlying mechanisms require elucidation.
- Investigating the impact of black tea on cardiovascular biomarkers is crucial for understanding its protective effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effects of 6-week black tea consumption on platelet activation, C-reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant status, and soluble P-Selectin.
- To determine if black tea influences key markers of cardiovascular risk in healthy men.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving healthy non-smoking men aged 18-55.
- Participants consumed either black tea or a placebo for 6 weeks after a 4-week washout period.
- Platelet activation was quantified using flow cytometry to measure leukocyte-platelet aggregates; CRP levels were also measured.
Main Results:
- The black tea group exhibited significantly lower levels of monocyte-platelet, neutrophil-platelet, and total leukocyte-platelet aggregates compared to the placebo group.
- Plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were significantly reduced in the tea-drinking group.
- No significant differences were observed in total antioxidant status or soluble P-Selectin between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Chronic consumption of black tea effectively reduces platelet activation and plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) in healthy men.
- The observed effects are unlikely due to observer bias or lifestyle confounders, reinforcing the direct impact of tea.
- These physiological changes associated with tea consumption may play a role in promoting long-term cardiovascular health.
Background:
Tea drinking appears to protect against the development of coronary heart disease (CHD), but the mediating pathways are uncertain. We studied the effects of 6 weeks of black tea or placebo on platelet activation, C-reactive protein (CRP), total antioxidant status, and soluble (s) P-Selectin in a randomized double-blind trial.
Methods:
Healthy non-smoking men aged 18-55 years were randomized to black tea (N=37) or placebo (N=38) following a 4-week washout period during which they drank no tea, coffee or caffeinated beverages, but consumed caffeinated placebo tea. Bloods were drawn after 6 weeks of treatment. Platelet activation was assessed by measuring leukocyte-platelet aggregates using whole blood flow cytometry.
Results:
Following treatment, the tea group had fewer monocyte-platelet aggregates (means 5.84 versus 6.60%, P=0.027), neutrophil-platelet aggregates (P=0.017), total leukocyte-platelet aggregates (P=0.027), and lower plasma C-reactive protein (means 0.76 versus 0.97 mg/L, P=0.05) than the placebo group. There were no differences in total antioxidant status or soluble P-Selectin.
Conclusions:
Chronic tea consumption reduces platelet activation and plasma C-reactive protein in healthy men. Effects cannot be attributed to observer bias or lifestyle confounders. These effects of tea may contribute to sustained cardiovascular health.
