Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To investigate the potential of Tianmuhu White Tea (TMH Tea) in modulating metabolic dysfunctions associated with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity and mitigating oxidative stress in an aging mouse model. METHODS: Institue for Cancer Research (ICR) mice were assigned to HFD and normal diet groups, and each group received either water, TMH White Tea, or Green Tea X for 30 days. Body weight (BW) was monitored, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. An aging model was induced using D-galactose (D-gal) intraperitoneal injection. Oxidative stress was assessed by measuring malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)). Trace elements and total polyphenols (TP) were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and Folin-Ciocalteu assay, respectively. RESULTS: TMH White Tea significantly reduced BW gain in HFD-fed mice compared to Green Tea X (**P = 0.004) and water (**P = 0.000). TMH Tea also normalized blood glucose levels (**P < 0.01). Although Green Tea X also slightly reversed serum glucose levels (*P < 0.05), its effect was less pronounced than with TMH Tea (*P < 0.05). TMH Tea reduced serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels compared to water (**P < 0.01 for triglycerides and *P < 0.05 for cholesterol) and Green Tea X (*P < 0.05 for both). In the aging model, both teas reversed D-gal-induced alterations in MDA (*P < 0.05) and liver index (*P < 0.05), with no significant difference between them. D-gal-induced reductions in SOD and GSH-Px activities were significantly enhanced by TMH White Tea (*P < 0.05), but not by Green Tea X. Additionally, TMH Tea contained more selenium (4.3 mg/kg vs. 0.9 mg/kg) and similar TP content (29.3% vs. 28.2%) compared to Green Tea X, which may contribute to its beneficial effects. CONCLUSIONS: TMH White Tea may help mitigate obesity-related metabolic disorders and oxidative stress, providing notable metabolic and antioxidant benefits.