Green tea extract thermogenesis-induced weight loss by epigallocatechin gallate inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase

J Med Food. 2006 Winter;9(4):451-8. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2006.9.451.

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have shown that intake of tea catechins is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. The antioxidative activity of tea-derived catechins has been extensively studied. Reports have shown that green tea extract intake is associated with increased weight loss due to diet-induced thermogenesis, which is generally attributed to the catechin epigallocatechin gallate. That catechin-polyphenols are known to be capable of inhibiting catechol-O-methyltransferase (the enzyme that degrades norepinephrine) is a possible explanation for why the green tea extract is effective in stimulating thermogenesis by epigallocatechin gallate to augment and prolong sympathetic stimulation of thermogenesis. Knowledge about thermogenesis-induced weight loss produced by green tea's epigallocatechin gallate and its ability to inhibit catechol-O-methyltransferase is important for health benefits and for prolonging the action of norepinephrine in the synaptic cleft.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipose Tissue, Brown / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Camellia sinensis / chemistry*
  • Catechin / analogs & derivatives*
  • Catechin / metabolism
  • Catechin / pharmacology
  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors*
  • Enzyme Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Male
  • Methylation
  • Norepinephrine / physiology
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • Thermogenesis / drug effects
  • Thermogenesis / physiology*
  • Weight Loss

Substances

  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase Inhibitors
  • Enzyme Inhibitors
  • Plant Extracts
  • Catechin
  • epigallocatechin gallate
  • Norepinephrine