A Randomized Double-Blind Trial of the Effect of Liupao Tea on Metabolic Parameters, Body Composition, and Gut Microbiota in Adults with Metabolic Syndrome

TL;DR

This study found that drinking Liupao tea for 90 days improved blood pressure, cholesterol, and body composition in people with metabolic syndrome, regardless of the tea's aging duration.

Contribution

The study provides clinical evidence that Liupao tea improves metabolic health and gut microbiota in metabolic syndrome patients.

Findings

Liupao tea reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the 10-year-aged group.

All groups showed reduced body weight, fat mass, and increased muscle mass.

The 10-year-aged tea group had a decreased Firmicutes/Bacteroides ratio in gut microbiota.

Abstract

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) represents a significant global health challenge. Liupao tea (LPT), a post-fermented dark tea, has shown potential metabolic benefits, but clinical evidence remains limited. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of LPT with varying aging durations on clinical parameters, body composition and gut microbiota in individuals with MetS. Methods: In a randomized, double-blind trial, patients with MetS were randomly assigned to intervention groups, receiving 6 g/day of LPT aged for 1, 4, 7, or 10 years, respectively, over a 90-day intervention period. Blood pressure, lipid and glucose levels, body weight, body composition, and gut microbiota were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Results: A total of 71 participants, with a mean age of 53.5 years, were included. At the final assessment, significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure were observed in the 10-year-aged groups (p < 0.05). In terms of lipid profiles, the 1-year-aged group showed a significant decrease in total cholesterol (TC), while low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels significantly decreased in the 1-, 4-, 7-, and 10-year-aged groups (p < 0.05). All intervention groups showed significant reductions in body weight, body fat mass (BFM), along with an increase in muscle mass (MM) (p < 0.05). A decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroides (F/B) ratio was observed in the 10-year-aged group. No significant differences in clinical parameters or body composition regulation were observed between groups with varying aging durations (p > 0.05). Conclusions: LPT intervention effectively improves metabolic health and modulates gut microbiota in MetS patients, irrespective of aging duration. These findings support LPT as a functional beverage for the management of MetS.

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