Compounds in green tea have potential to benefit gut health and mitigate inflammation

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) affects over 34% of Americans and is a major risk factor for severe cardiometabolic disorders such as diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure. Researchers at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center are building on previous findings by investigating the potential of green tea extract to support gut health and mitigate inflammation in individuals with metabolic syndrome. Through double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized crossover trials, researchers found that catechins in green tea extract can improve gut barrier function and the composition of the gut microbiome in adults with MetS and healthy adults. Findings demonstrate that daily green tea extract supplementation could alleviate intestinal inflammation in individuals with MetS.  

These results were disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, contributing to the broader scientific understanding of nutrition-based interventions. This research has also facilitated future work in the field by training undergraduate and graduate students, as well as a postdoctoral researcher, in clinical nutrition and advanced laboratory techniques. In addition, during the study’s development, the team established new protocols for identifying short-chain fatty acids and analyzing metabolites, laying the groundwork for future investigations in gut health and metabolic disease. 

By advancing the understanding of green tea catechins’ role in metabolic health, this research supports precision nutrition strategies and a food-as-medicine approaches to disease prevention that could help reduce the burden of chronic diseases and associated health care costs.

View the full statement on the NIDB.

Project supported by USDA Competitive funds.