A new Brazilian study reveals how green tea extract reprograms muscle metabolism to burn fat. The research pinpoints a key protein, adiponectin, as essential for this process, offering a new understanding of its potential to combat obesity.
October 8, 2025
Source:
ScienceDaily
Study Reveals Metabolic Breakthrough
New research from Brazil's Cruzeiro do Sul University has identified how green tea extract can significantly combat obesity by reprogramming muscle metabolism. The study, published in Cell Biochemistry & Function, demonstrates that the extract boosts insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance.
Led by Professor Rosemari Otton, the team's findings are the result of over 15 years of dedicated investigation into green tea's metabolic effects.
Carefully Controlled Experiments
To ensure accuracy, scientists conducted the study under specific conditions. Mice were fed a high-fat "cafeteria diet" to mimic unhealthy Western eating habits before receiving green tea supplementation.
Crucially, the lab environment was kept at a stable 28°C (82.4°F). This prevented the mice's bodies from burning extra calories to stay warm, which could have skewed the results.
Striking Results in Obese Subjects
The outcomes were remarkable. Key findings include:
Up to 30% body weight loss in obese mice treated with the extract.
Improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity.
Selective action: Lean mice were unaffected, indicating the treatment targets excess fat specifically.
Muscle fiber diameter was preserved, a critical marker for muscle health, even as fat mass decreased.
This distinction between fat loss and muscle preservation is a significant finding for potential therapeutic applications in humans.
Keep up with the story. Subscribe to the PR+ free daily newsletter
Source:
SciTechDaily
The Cellular Fat-Burning Mechanism
The study provides a detailed look at how green tea operates at a molecular level to enhance metabolic function. The extract was found to increase the expression of key genes responsible for glucose uptake in muscle tissue, including Glut4 and Insr.
Key Compounds at Work
Green tea's benefits are largely attributed to its active compounds, catechins and caffeine, which work together to boost fat oxidation.
Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG): This powerful catechin, making up to 80% of green tea's catechin content, is shown to reduce markers of obesity. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), EGCG may boost fat-burning hormones and inhibit an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, promoting fat breakdown.
Caffeine: This well-known stimulant complements EGCG's effects by helping to boost fat metabolism.
Researchers noted that the full green tea extract was more effective than its isolated compounds, suggesting a natural synergy is essential for the full benefits.
The Adiponectin Connection
A pivotal discovery was the role of adiponectin, a protein hormone secreted by fat cells that regulates metabolism. When the researchers tested the extract on mice genetically engineered to lack adiponectin, the treatment had no effect.
This finding strongly suggests that adiponectin is a key mediator in the metabolic benefits provided by green tea, offering a new target for future research and therapies.
Read More
Source:
College of Contemporary Health
Share this news:
