Therapeutic Effects of Green Tea on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in 10-16-Year-Old Children

Abstract

Introduction: Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is characterised by fat accumulation in the liver. Treatment of NAFLD in children is an important issue but the options are limited. Green tea has antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic effects but studies; on the effect of green tea in children are limited. Aim: To investigate effect of green tea on NAFLD in children. Materials and Methods: In this study, 52 children aged 10-16 years with NAFLD were divided into two groups of 26 each: Intervention and control. For both groups, modification of diet and intensification of physical activity were prescribed for three months. Intervention group was also treated with green tea tablets. Sonography and measurements of liver enzymes {Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)}, lipid profile and Body Mass Index (BMI) were conducted before and after the intervention. The data were analysed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 19.0 using ANCOVA. Results: After treatment with green tea, fatty liver grade decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to control group (p<0.0001). In addition, this treatment caused significant decrease in ALT, AST, and triglyceride levels and significant increase in High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) level (p<0.05), but Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) level did not decrease significantly in the intervention group compared to control. Conclusion: Oral prescription of green tea was effective in improving fatty liver grade, decreasing hepatic fat accumulation and improving liver function, weight loss and reducing ALT and AST without any side effects. These effects can be due to green tea compounds such as polyphenols especially catechin and antioxidant and anti-hyperlipidemic effects.

Keywords

• alanine aminotransferase
• aspartate aminotransferase
• green tea extract
• nonalcoholic steatohepatitis