Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis): A Current Update on Use in Diabetes, Obesity, and Cardiovascular Disease

The tea plant (C. sinensis) has traditionally been consumed worldwide as tea for its many health benefits, with the potential for the prevention and therapy of various conditions. Regardless of its long history, the use of tea plants in modern times seems not to have changed much, as the beverage remains the most popular form. This review aimed to compile scientific information about the role and action of tea plants, as well as their status concerning clinical applications, based on the currently available evidence, with a focus on metabolic syndrome, mainly covering obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. It has been recognized that these diseases pose a significant threat to public health, and the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies is necessary but still challenging. In this article, the potential benefits of tea plants and their derived bioactive components (such as epigallocatechin-3-gallate) as anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-cardiovascular agents are clearly shown and emphasized, along with their mechanisms of action. However, according to the status of the clinical translation of tea plants, particularly in drug development, more substantial efforts in well-designed, randomized, controlled trials are required to expand their applications in treating the three major metabolic disorders and avoiding the toxicity caused by overconsumption.

Automated summary

Tea plants have been traditionally consumed as tea for their health benefits. This review focuses on their role in treating metabolic syndrome, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. The potential benefits of tea plants and their bioactive components as anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-cardiovascular agents are highlighted, but further clinical trials are needed for drug development.