Supplement
Theaflavins are polyphenol antioxidants that form when tea leaves are fermented into black tea. Little research exists, but a small study of 18 people found that the stress hormone cortisol went down during muscle recovery, though the evidence is limited. In 102 people with high cholesterol, LDL and HDL showed no clear difference, and that evidence is very limited.
- Updated
- How we grade
- 2 studies cited
- Best evidence
- Grade C
- Conditions studied
- 3
- Outcomes
- 12
- Graded outcomes
- 0022
Evidence by condition
- Strong
- Moderate
- Limited
- Very limited
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisol Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 18 people | |||
| Inflammation | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 18 people | |||
| Muscle Soreness | Improves (the measure goes down) | 18 people | ||||
| Power Output | Improves (the measure goes up) | 18 people | ||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cortisol Small Decrease | Improves (the measure goes down) | Small effect | 18 people | |||
| Inflammation | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 18 people | |||
| Muscle Soreness | Improves (the measure goes down) | 18 people | ||||
| Power Output | Improves (the measure goes up) | 18 people | ||||
| Grade | Outcome | Effect | Size | Studies | People | Studies list |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-density lipoprotein (HDL) No effect | NoneNo effect | 102 people | ||||
| Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) No effect | NoneNo effect | 102 people | ||||
| Triglycerides | Improves (the measure goes down) | 1 study | 102 people | |||
| Total cholesterol | Improves (the measure goes down) | 102 people | ||||
Key findings
- CortisolImproves (the measure goes down)
- High-density lipoprotein (HDL)
- Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
Shop Theaflavins
Third-party tested Theaflavins products. The evidence above is limited, so read it before you buy.
- Grade C
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Studies cited
2 studies from PubMed
- Purified black tea theaflavins and theaflavins/catechin supplements did not affect serum lipids in healthy individuals with mildly to moderately elevated cholesterol concentrations
- The effects of theaflavin-enriched black tea extract on muscle soreness, oxidative stress, inflammation, and endocrine responses to acute anaerobic interval training: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study