薬理と治療

Abstract

Background Long−term ingestion of high dose green tea catechins was reported to reduce visceral fat accumulation in several clinical studies. Objective This pooling−analysis was conducted to more precisely define the effect of high dose green tea catechins on visceral fat and metabolic syndrome. Methods The 7 studies in the pooling−analysis included a total 902 subjects receiving green tea catechins or placebo drinks. All studies evaluated visceral fat area by computer tomography after 8−12 weeks test period. The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to the definition for the Japanese. Results Ingestion of 539.7−587.5 mg／d green tea catechins for 8−12 weeks reduced visceral fat area, waist circumference and BMI. Blood pressure was also lowered especially in the subject with high blood pressure. Subject with metabolic syndrome at the baseline was significantly improved in high dose catechin group as compared to low dose group. Conclusion Ingestion of high−dose green tea catechins reduced visceral fat accumulation and improved metabolic syndrome.（Jpn Pharmacol Ther 2008；36：509−14）KEY WORDS Green tea catechins, Visceral fat, Metabolic syndrome, Pooling−analysis