Benifuuki green tea, containing O-methylated EGCG reduces serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 ligands containing apolipoprotein B: A double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized trial

Dyslipidaemia is a significant cardiovascular risk factor. Green tea catechins are known to have cholesterol-lowering effects. We investigated the beneficial effects of Benifuuki, containing O-methylated catechin, on cardiovascular risk factors, specifically low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. One-hundred fifty-five participants who met the inclusion criteria were divided into 3 groups: Benifuuki, Yabukita, or barley infusion drinkers. We evaluated the changes in parameters after 12 weeks. Serum LDL cholesterol levels in the Benifuuki-consuming participants were significantly lower than those in barley infusion-consuming participants without a green tea habit. Furthermore, the lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 containing apolipoprotein B (LAB) levels in Benifuuki drinkers were significantly lower than those in the barley infusion group and the Benifuuki baseline LAB level. In participants without a green tea habit, Benifuuki significantly reduced the serum LDL cholesterol level and the LAB levels compared to those observed after barley infusion consumption. (C) 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.