A Pilot Study of Epigallocatechin Gallate Treatment in Patients with Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver

Background: Many trials studied green tea extract for its flavonoid antioxidant effects on the liver function (liver enzymes) and fatty liver status (serum lipid levels) in patients suffering from non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, the effects of pure epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) was assessed here as the most potent flavonoid of green tea in such patients. Materials and Methods: This was a pilot study in which 33 patients with NAFLD were assigned to consume EGCG capsules (390 mg) daily for 12 weeks. Fasting blood sugar, liver enzymes, and lipid profiles were monitored at baseline a nd at the end of the trial. Results: The studied group showed significant decreases in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels at the end of trial (p < 0.01). The women showed more significant decreases in these enzymes (ALT: p < 0.01, AST: p < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were observed in total cholesterol, High-density lipoproteins C (HDL-C), Low-density lipoproteins C (LDL-C) , Very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and Triglyceride (TG) levels at the end of the trial (p > 0.05). Conclusion: According to our results and also recent reports about the positive impact of green tea polyphenol EGCG on liver function and fatty liver status in patients with NAFLD, the daily use of pure EGCG may improve the level of liver enzymes in such patients