TEAVIGO™ (epigallocatechin gallate) supplementation prevents obesity in rodents by reducing adipose tissue mass

Background: This study investigated the antiobesity effects of TEAVIGO(TM), a product providing the most abundant green tea catechin, epigallocatechin gallate ( EGCG), in a pure form. Two models of diet-induced obesity and an in vitro adipocyte differentiation assay were employed. Methods: Prevention and regression of diet-induced obesity by dietary supplementation with EGCG was studied in C57BL/6J mice and Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively. Expression of genes regulating lipid metabolism was assessed in adipose tissue. The effects of EGCG on adipocyte differentiation were investigated in vitro. Results: In C57BL/6J mice, EGCG supplementation prevented diet-induced increases in body weight and in fed state plasma levels of glucose, triglycerides, and leptin. EGCG decreased subcutaneous and epididymal adipose tissue weights. Supplementation of EGCG reversed the established obesity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Fatty acid synthase and acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1 mRNA levels were markedly decreased in adipose tissue of EGCG-supplemented mice. EGCG dose dependently inhibited adipocyte differentiation in vitro. Conclusion: This study shows for the first time that supplementation with the most abundant green tea polyphenol, EGCG, abolishes diet-induced obesity. This effect is at least partly mediated via a direct influence on adipose tissue. Thus, dietary supplementation with EGCG should be considered as a valuable natural treatment option for obesity. Copyright (C) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.