Catechin-rich green tea extract increases serum cholesterol levels in normal diet- and high fat diet-fed rats

Background In vivo studies using rodents have shown that green tea extract and catechins isolated from green tea can induce a variety of health effects, including anti-obesity, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activities [1]. These beneficial effects of green tea have been observed in experiments using high fat, high cholesterol and high fructose diet-fed animals. In the present study, we examined the effects of catechinrich green tea extract on serum glucose and lipid levels in normal diet-and high fat diet-fed rats.