Impact of green tea extract on serum lipid of postmenopausal women: A randomized controlled trial

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of green tea extract on serum lipid level in postmenopausal women.

In this randomized controlled trial 100 postmenopausal women with an abnormality in at least one lipid profile were recruited and randomly assigned to one of the two groups: green tea extract (n = 50) and control group (n = 50). The intervention group received two capsules (400 mg) of green tea extract two times daily; the control group received a placebo for 4 weeks. The serum level of the lipid profile (total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), triglyceride, and fasting blood sugar) was measured at baseline and 4 weeks after intervention.

In total, 79 women completed the study. The mean total cholesterol in the green tea group was significantly decreased after 4 weeks of intervention (mean difference -18.1 vs. -5 mg/dL in the green tea and placebo groups, p < 0.04). The triglyceride and LDL also decreased significantly in the green tea group compared to the control group (p = 0.002 and p = 0.04 respectively). The level of HDL and fasting blood sugar did not change within the group and between groups.

Green tea extract is cost-effective way to decrease lipid profile in postmenopausal women without major side effects. Using this herb is recommended in women who have slight lipid profile abnormalities.