Regulatory Effects and Molecular Mechanisms of Tea and Its Active Compounds on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Abstract

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common chronic liver disease, is a multifactorial disease resulting from the interaction between environment, genetic background, and metabolic stress. Most treatments for NAFLD include dietary intervention and exercise show limited efficacy due to the complex mechanisms involved in NAFLD. Meanwhile, drug therapy is accompanied by serious side effects. The development of high-efficiency natural supplements is a sustainable strategy for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD. As the second most consumed beverage, tea has health benefits that have been widely recognized. Nevertheless, the intervention of tea active compounds in NAFLD has received limited attention. Tea contains abundant bioactive compounds with potential effects on NAFLD, such as catechins, flavonoids, theanine, tea pigments, and tea polysaccharides. We reviewed the intrinsic and environmental factors and pathogenic mechanisms that affect the occurrence and development of NAFLD, and summarized the influences of exercise, drugs, diet, and tea drinking on NAFLD. On this basis, we further analyzed the potential effects and molecular regulatory mechanisms of tea active compounds on NAFLD and proposed future development directions. This review hopes to provide novel insights into the development and application of tea active compounds in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

A Rising Star in Dark Teas: The Processing, Microorganisms, Chemicals, Bioactivities, and Safety of Qingzhuan Tea

“…Various types of tea differ in sensory characteristics, such as appearance, aroma, taste, and brewing color. Meanwhile, the production and consumption of tea has been flourishing as evidence mounts that tea has multiple health benefits. − …”

Detection methods, migration patterns, and health effects of pesticide residues in tea

“…There are a variety of healthy bioactive substances in tea; for instance, tea polyphenols have good effects on regulating lipid metabolism (Yan et al., 2020), and theanine can mediate the apoptosis of tumor cells and inhibit tumor growth and metastasis, which can also improve brain function and enhance memory (Wang, Zheng, et al., 2021; Wang, Gao, et al., 2021). Long‐term regular tea drinking can prevent a variety of metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases (Huang et al., 2022; Lin, Wei, et al., 2021; Lin, Sun, et al., 2021; Prasanth et al., 2019; Shao et al., 2022; Xing et al., 2019; Xu et al., 2022, 2023).…”

“…and metastasis, which can also improve brain function and enhance memory (Wang, Zheng, et al, 2021;. Long-term regular tea drinking can prevent a variety of metabolic disorders and neurodegenerative diseases (Huang et al, 2022;Lin, Wei, et al, 2021;Lin, Sun, et al, 2021;Prasanth et al, 2019;Shao et al, 2022;Xing et al, 2019;Xu et al, 2022Xu et al, , 2023.…”

Amelioration Effects and Regulatory Mechanisms of Different Tea Active Ingredients on DSS-Induced Colitis

“…The incidence of IBD in Asia is far lower than that in Western countries; the high sugar and fat of Western diet were prone to promote the occurrence and development of IBD in Western countries, whereas habitual tea drinking in Asia might exert a protective effect on IBD. , Tea is the secondary largest beverage after water due to its pleasant flavor and multiple health benefits. − Several studies have reported the effective alleviative effects of tea on IBD. Huang et al found that ripened Pu-erh tea could effectively decrease the disease activity index (DAI) and inhibit the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines via downregulating the expression of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) and suppressing the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway to protect the colon .…”