Inhibitory Effects of Goishi Tea on Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E Deficient Mice

Goishi tea, a traditional two-stage fermented tea is different from non-fermented green tea on the ingredient pattern. Although gallate-type catechins are reduced due to the assimilation of microorganisms, Goishi tea have antioxidant activity due to the increase of free-type catechins and other antioxidants. Since oxidative stress is greatly involved in the onset mechanism of atherosclerosis, ingestion of Goishi tea may be useful for the inhibition of atherosclerosis.In this study, the effects of Goishi tea on atherosclerosis were evaluated by measuring plaque accumulation, inflammatory cytokines, and adiponectin in apolipoprotein E deficient mice. When, compared with the control group, the plaque area in the aortic root was significantly decreased in the Goishi tea group. In addition, TNF-α and IL-6 levels were significantly decreased and adiponectin was significantly increased in the Goishi tea group. These results suggest the possibility of inhibiting atherosclerosis with Goishi tea because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.