Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Appetite (excessive)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is commonly used in modern supplements marketed for weight management, including claims about appetite control. The primary bioactive compounds in green tea responsible for these effects are catechins, especially epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), and caffeine. Several human studies have investigated green tea extract for its potential to reduce appetite or caloric intake. While some research suggests that green tea catechins, especially when combined with caffeine, may slightly reduce appetite and increase satiety, the effects are generally modest and not consistently observed across all studies.

For example, a 2012 review in the journal Obesity Reviews found that green tea supplementation led to small but significant reductions in body weight and body fat, but the evidence for direct appetite suppression was less robust. Some studies show decreased hunger or reduced caloric intake, but others find no significant effect compared to placebo. The appetite-suppressing effects, when present, are thought to be related to the synergistic action of catechins and caffeine on thermogenesis and possibly central appetite signaling.

Historically, green tea has been consumed for general health and alertness rather than specifically to curb excessive appetite. Most support for its use in appetite management comes from recent scientific investigation rather than longstanding traditional use. Overall, the evidence supports only a mild effect on appetite, meriting a low to moderate evidence rating.

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Other health conditions supported by green tea

Abdominal Pain
Abscesses
Acne
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (excessive)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Belching
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (internal)
Blood in Urine
Bloodshot Eyes
Body Odor
Breast Lumps
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Concentration (poor)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Cytomealovirus
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Down Syndrome
Endometriosis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Hemochromatosis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Oral Surgery
Parkinson's Disease
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Skin (oily)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wrinkles