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

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

Method: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusion: 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.