Systematic review of green tea epigallocatechin gallate in reducing low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels of humans

We conducted a systematic review of the literature for the ability of green tea epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). Study subjects were limited to healthy individuals and randomized, controlled trials on human serum lipid levels, especially LDL-C, conducted. A total of 17 trials (n?=?1356) met all of the inclusion criteria. According to weighted mean differences for changes from baseline with 95% confidence intervals (CI), 107–856?mg/d of EGCG for 4 to 14 weeks reduced LDL-C by ?9.29?mg/dl (95% CI, ?12.27 to ?6.31). Sub-analysis was performed to compare the EGCG lowering effect on LDL-C between non-obese and obese subjects, EGCG dose, baseline of LDL-C levels, or BMI. We concluded that consumption of green tea EGCG resulted in a significant reduction of LDL-C at any baseline level and any dose between 107 and 856?mg/d, and the effect size was slightly dependent on the baseline lipid level of the subjects.