The effect of bioactive compounds in tea on lipid metabolism and obesity through regulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The hypolipidemic and antiobesogenic effects of tea intake have been associated with bioactive compounds that regulate peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). This review describes the recent research on two of these compounds, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and linalool. RECENT FINDINGS: Catechins (specifically EGCG) are key bioactive compounds found in tea, and a recent study has shown that linalool may also be an active tea compound. These compounds act on lipid metabolism by regulating PPAR subtypes. EGCG inhibits the key adipogenic transcription factor PPARγ while activating PPARα, whereas linalool is a PPARα agonist activating hepatic fatty acid uptake and subsequent oxidation to reduce plasma triglyceride levels. SUMMARY: The collective activities of EGCG and linalool in tea may exert hypolipidemic and antiobesogenic effects by regulating PPARs. The research summarized in this review expands our understanding of the biological and physiological mechanisms of the bioactive compounds found in tea.