The Effects of Wuniuzao Green Tea on Mice With High-Fat Diet-Induced Liver Steatosis

Wuniuzao is a famous Chinese tea with a history of more than 300 years. It is suitable for bulk production with excellent quality. Most current studies have focused on the cultivation, aroma compounds, and antioxidant capacity of Wuniuzao tea. However, the biological effects of Wuniuzao green tea water (WGT) extract on the prevention of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced liver steatosis and modulation of the intestinal microbiota have not yet been reported. This study was conducted to fill these gaps. Mice were divided into four groups and fed a normal diet, HFD, HFD + atorvastatin (10 mg/kg, positive control), and HFD + WGT (300 mg/kg), respectively. Nine-week administration of WGT reduced body weight, lipid accumulation, and serum lipid levels in HFD-fed mice. Liver function and serum glucose tolerance were improved, and hepatic steatosis was inhibited in the WGT group. Moreover, WGT treatment activated the AMPK signaling pathway, suggesting a mechanism for its effect on hepatic steatosis. WGT supplementation also increased intestinal microbiota diversity and modulated the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes. WGT significantly alleviated HFD-induced liver steatosis and modulated HFD-induced intestinal microbial dysbiosis, suggesting its potential as a dietary supplement against HFD-induced obesity and associated liver steatosis.