TEAVIGO<sup>TM</sup> (Epigallocatechin Gallate) Supplementation Prevents Obesity in Rodents by Reducing Adipose Tissue Mass

Vol. 49, No. 1, 2005

Free Abstract Article (References) Article (PDF 896 KB)

Original Paper

TEAVIGO^TM (Epigallocatechin Gallate) Supplementation Prevents Obesity in Rodents by Reducing Adipose Tissue Mass
Swen Wolfram, Daniel Raederstorff, Ying Wang, Sandra R. Teixeira, Volker Elste, Peter Weber

DSM Nutritional Products Ltd, Department of Human Nutrition and Health, Basel, Switzerland

Address of Corresponding Author

Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism 2005;49:54-63 (DOI: 10.1159/000084178)

Key Words

TEAVIGO^TM
Epigallocatechin gallate
Obesity
Adipose tissue
Rodents
Gene expression
Green tea
Catechin

Abstract

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.

Author Contacts

Dr. Swen Wolfram
DSM Nutritional Products Ltd
Department of Human Nutrition and Health, Bldg 205/020
PO Box 3255, CH-4002 Basel (Switzerland)
Tel. +41 61 687 4735, Fax +41 61 688 9684, E-Mail swen.wolfram@dsm.com

Article Information

Received: March 30, 2004
Accepted: November 26, 2004
Published online: February 25, 2005
Number of Print Pages : 10
Number of Figures : 4, Number of Tables : 4, Number of References : 28

Medline Abstract (ID 15735368)

Download Citation

Cited In

This journal is part of the third subject package of the Karger

Journal Archive Collection

Information on packages (PDF)
Free sample issues

For non-native English speakers and international authors who would like assistance with their writing before submission, we suggest American Journal Experts for their scientific editing service.