Health benefits and mechanisms of Tianmuhu White Tea in modulating glycolipid metabolism and oxidative stress

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. 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. 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. TMH White Tea may help mitigate obesity-related metabolic disorders and oxidative stress, providing notable metabolic and antioxidant benefits.