A Standardized Green Tea Formula Lowers Serum Amyloid Alpha and Blood Pressure.

Epidemiological studies suggest a reduction in the risk of cardiovascular events in populations that drink five or more cups of tea a day. In a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial, we examined the effect of a standardized formula made from Camellia sinensis (green tea) on biomarkers of inflammation and blood pressure. Serum amyloid-α (SAA) is an acute phase reactant that is positively associated with coronary artery disease. Consumption of this green tea formula (GTF) for 3 weeks resulted in a 42% reduction from baseline SAA levels in the treated group (p=0.041), while SAA levels of those on the placebo did not change (p=0.561). Of 52 subjects on GTF, 39 (75%) had a reduced SAA levels while the values of 13 (25%) increased or remained the same. Of 56 subjects on placebo, 31 (55%) showed a decrease in SAA levels and 25 (45%) went up or stayed the same (p=0.049). Subjects consuming GTF for 3 weeks had lower systolic (-4.2; p=0.004), and diastolic (-4.2; p=0.001) blood pressure. Placebo subjects had no significant change in blood pressure. In conclusion, consumption of this GTF resulted in lowering of blood pressure, and an inflammatory biomarker associated with cardiovascular disease. Funded in part by UF/IFAS AES, Nature Trade Center, Inc., and Taiyo International, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]