Synopsis

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

Catechins are a class of polyphenolic compounds primarily found in green tea (Camellia sinensis), with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) being the most widely studied. There is a growing body of preclinical (animal and cell culture) evidence suggesting catechins may have beneficial effects in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Proposed mechanisms include antioxidative activity, inhibition of lipid accumulation in hepatocytes, modulation of inflammatory pathways, and improvement in insulin sensitivity. Several small randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans have explored the effects of green tea extract, rich in catechins, on fatty liver disease. For example, a 2013 RCT by Sakata et al. found that 12 weeks of green tea extract supplementation improved liver fat content and some liver function markers in NAFLD patients. However, these studies are generally small, short-term, and use varying preparations of catechins, making their results difficult to generalize. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses (such as Chao et al., 2021) conclude that while there is promise, the current clinical evidence is limited and not yet definitive. Thus, while catechins are not traditionally used for fatty liver, there is some preliminary scientific validation for their use, but large, high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

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