Effect of Green Tea Phytochemicals on Mood and Cognition

Study on the correlation between color and taste of beauty tea infusion and the pivotal contributing compounds based on UV-visible spectroscopy, taste equivalent quantification and metabolite analysis

This study utilized a colorimeter to determine the color values of 23 beauty tea (BT) samples, the color and the taste characteristics were also quantitatively described through ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy and taste equivalent quantification. Furthermore, metabolomic analysis was conducted by using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). Correlation analysis was employed to preliminarily identify the compounds that contribute to the color and taste of BT infusion. Finally, the contributing compounds were further determined through verification experiment. The results showed that within a certain range, as the color of BT infusion deepened, the taste became stronger, more bitter and astringent, while on the contrary, it became sweeter and mellower. Theaflavins, kaempferol, astragalin, and 5-p-coumaroylquinic acid influenced both the color and taste of the BT infusion. Gallic acid was also determined as a contributor to the color. This study provides new insights into research on tea quality in infusion color and taste aspects.

Associations between tea-drinking habits and health-related quality of life in Chinese adults: a mediation analysis based on sleep quality

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to explore the association between tea-drinking habits and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese adults and the mediating effect of sleep quality in this association.

METHODS

Data were derived from the 2020 Survey of Social Factors for Chronic Disease Prevention and Control among adults in Lishui District, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. Tea-drinking habits were measured by participants' self-report. The HRQoL was measured using the 12-item Short Form Health Survey. Multiple linear regression modelling and mediating effects modelling were used for analyses.

RESULTS

Habitual tea drinking, frequent tea drinking (drinking tea 6-7 days per week), tea concentration and <10 g of tea per day were strongly associated with an increase in HRQoL among Chinese adults (all p<0.05). The association between tea-drinking habits and HRQoL among Chinese adults was more pronounced in the male population and in those ≥45 y of age (all p<0.05). Tea drinking habits may improve HRQoL in Chinese adults by enhancing sleep quality (all p<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Maintaining the habit of habitual tea drinking (6-7 days per week), in small amounts (<10 g tea per day) was conducive to improving HRQoL of Chinese adults by improving sleep quality.

Acute effects of (-)-gallocatechin gallate-rich green tea extract on the cerebral hemodynamic response of the prefrontal cortex in healthy humans

Objective

The benefits of long-term consumption of green tea on the brain are well known. However, among many ingredients of green tea, the acute effects of (-)-gallocatechin gallate-rich green tea extract (GCG-GTE), have received comparatively less attention. Herein, we investigated the acute effects of oral ingestion of green tea with GCG-GTE, which contains close replicas of the ingredients of hot green tea, on task-dependent hemodynamics in the prefrontal cortex of healthy adult human brains.

Methods

In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial, 35 healthy adults completed computerized cognitive tasks that demand activation of the prefrontal cortex at baseline and 1 h after consumption of placebo and 900 mg of GCG-GTE extract supplement. During cognitive testing, hemodynamic responses (change in HbO2 concentration) in the prefrontal cortex were assessed using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS).

Results

In fNIRS data, significant group x session interactions were found in the left (p = 0.035) and right (p = 0.036) dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). In behavioral data, despite the numerical increase in the GCG-GTE group and the numerical decrease in the Placebo group, no significant differences were observed in the cognitive performance measure between the groups.

Conclusion

The result suggests a single dose of orally administered GCG-GTE can reduce DLPFC activation in healthy humans even with increased task demand. GCG-GTE is a promising functional material that can affect neural efficiency to lower mental workload during cognitively demanding tasks. However, further studies are needed to verify this.

Over the Counter Supplements for Memory: A Review of Available Evidence

In 2021, the Global Brain Health Supplement Industry Market size was valued at US$7.6 billion. It is predicted to increase to US$15.59 billion by 2030. Memory and its enhancement are a segment of the market that comprised the highest global revenue share in 2021. In the USA alone, dietary supplement sales reached US$18 billion in 2018. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not have the authority to approve dietary supplements' safety, effectiveness, or labeling before products go on the market. The FDA often does not even review supplements before they go to market. Supplement manufacturers are thus responsible for ensuring their products are safe and that their claims are truthful. An extensive review of current supplements on the market was performed by surveying memory products for sale at local and national pharmacies and grocery stores. A list of 103 supplements was compiled and the ingredients in these memory supplements were reviewed. The 18 most common ingredients in these supplements were identified. Each of the supplements included at least one of the 18 most common ingredients. Scientific data relative to these ingredients and their effect on memory was searched using PubMed and Cochrane library databases. Currently, there is no compelling evidence for use of apoaequorin, coenzyme Q10, coffee extracts, L-theanine, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B6, vitamin B9, or vitamin B12 supplementation for memory. On the other hand, there is some current evidence for memory benefit from supplementation with ashwagandha, choline, curcumin, ginger, Lion's Mane, polyphenols, phosphatidylserine, and turmeric. There are current studies with mixed results regarding the benefit of carnitine, gingko biloba, Huperzine A, vitamin D, and vitamin E supplementation for memory. Dietary supplements geared toward improving cognition are a billion-dollar industry that continues to grow despite lacking a solid scientific foundation for their marketing claims. More rigorous studies are needed relative to the long-term use of these supplements in homogenous populations with standardized measurements of cognition. Health care providers need to be aware of any and all supplements their older adult patients may be consuming and be educated about their side effects and interactions with prescription medications. Lastly, the FDA needs to take an active position relative to monitoring marketed supplements regarding safety, purity and claims of efficacy.

A review on matcha: Chemical composition, health benefits, with insights on its quality control by applying chemometrics and multi-omics

This review discussed the origin, manufacturing process, chemical composition, factors affecting quality and health benefits of matcha (Camellia sinensis), and the application of chemometrics and multi-omics in the science of matcha. The discussion primarily distinguishes between matcha and regular green tea with processing and compositional factors, and demonstrates beneficial health effects of consuming matcha. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses was adopted to search for relevant information in this review. Boolean operators were incorporated to explore related sources in various databases. Notably, climate, cultivar, maturity of tea leaves, grinding process and brewing temperature impact on the overall quality of matcha. Besides, sufficient shading prior to harvesting significantly increases the contents of theanine and chlorophyll in the tea leaves. Furthermore, the ground whole tea leaf powder delivers matcha with the greatest benefits to the consumers. The health promoting benefits of matcha are mainly contributed by its micro-nutrients and the antioxidative phytochemicals, specifically epigallocatechin-gallate, theanine and caffeine. Collectively, the chemical composition of matcha affected its quality and health benefits significantly. To this end, more studies are required to elucidate the biological mechanisms of these compounds for human health. Chemometrics and multi-omics technologies are useful to fill up the research gaps identified in this review.

Gut Microbiota and its Metabolites: Bridge of Dietary Nutrients and Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive impairment and neuroinflammation. Recent research has revealed the crucial role of gut microbiota and microbial metabolites in modulating AD. However, the mechanisms by which the microbiome and microbial metabolites affect brain function remain poorly understood. Here, we review the literature on changes in the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome in patients with AD and in animal models of AD. We also discuss the latest progress in understanding the pathways by which the gut microbiota and microbial metabolites from the host or diet regulate AD. By understanding the effects of dietary components on brain function, microbiota composition, and microbial metabolites, we examine the potential for manipulation of the gut microbiota through dietary intervention to delay the progression of AD. Although it is challenging to translate our understanding of microbiome-based approaches to dietary guidelines or clinical therapies, these findings provide an attractive target for promoting brain function.

Ingestion of taxifolin-rich foods affects brain activity, mental fatigue, and the whole blood transcriptome in healthy young adults: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study

The antioxidant properties of polyphenols, which are found in most plants, have been shown to be useful for maintaining health, including enhancing brain function and alleviating stress. We aimed to investigate the effect of a single intake of taxifolin-containing foods on cognitive task performance and whole blood gene expression in healthy young adults. This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial in which healthy young adults were administered a single dose of either a placebo or food containing taxifolin. Cognitive tests (serial 3s, serial 7s, and rapid visual information processing) to examine brain activity and visual analog scale questionnaires to analyze mental fatigue were applied. The set of tests was repeated four times. The findings showed that taxifolin intake improved calculation abilities and reduced mental fatigue. An analysis of whole blood gene expression before and after the test revealed that the expression of foreign substance removal-related genes increased following the ingestion of taxifolin and that most differentially expressed genes were enriched in granulocytes. Taxifolin intake was shown to affect the brain activity of healthy young adults and demonstrated an antifatigue effect, thereby reducing subjective fatigue. A single intake of taxifolin may enhance the removal of foreign substances by strengthening the innate immune system and suppressing the occurrence of injury.

Combined Exposure to Chronic Sleep Deprivation and Caffeine Potentiates Behavioural Deficits by Altering Neurochemical Profile and Synaptophysin Expression in Long-Evans Rats

Using the Unpredictable Chronic Sleep Deprivation (UCSD) paradigm we developed, the combined effects of chronic sleep deprivation and high caffeine intake on prefrontal cortical synaptophysin expression, neurochemical profiles, and behavioural outcomes in Long-Evans rats were evaluated. The combination of chronic sleep deprivation and high-dose caffeine treatment produced varying degrees of behavioural impairments, depletion of antioxidants, serotonin, and an upregulation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in the prefrontal cortex. An immunohistochemical assessment revealed a reduction in synaptophysin protein expression in the prefrontal cortex following exposure to high-dose caffeine and chronic sleep deprivation. Overall, our findings support the advocacy for adequate sleep for optimal mental performance as a high intake of caffeine to attenuate the effects of sleep deprivation that may alter the neurochemical profile and synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex, significantly increasing the risk of neuropsychiatric/degenerative disorders.

The therapeutic potential of matcha tea: A critical review on human and animal studies

Matcha is a powdered form of Japanese green tea that has been gaining global popularity recently. Matcha tea has various health benefits, including an enhancing effect on cognitive function, cardio-metabolic health, and anti-tumorogenesis. To date, randomized clinical trials (RCT) showed that matcha decreases stress, slightly enhances attention and memory, and has no effect on mood. Results regarding the effect of matcha on cognitive function are contradictory and more RCTs are warranted. The cardio-metabolic effects of matcha have only been studied in animals, but findings were more homogenous. Consuming matcha with a high-fat diet resulted in decreased weight gain velocity, food intake, improved serum glucose and lipid profile, reduced inflammatory cytokines and ameliorated oxidative stress. Evidence regarding the anti-tumor function of matcha is very limited. Findings showed that matcha can affect proliferation, viability, antioxidant response, and cell cycle regulation of breast cancer cells. Nonetheless, more studies are needed to examine this effect on different types of cancer cells, and there is also a need to verify it using animal models. Overall, the evidence regarding the effect of matcha tea on cognitive function, cardio-metabolic function, and anti-tumor role is still limited, and conclusions cannot be drawn.

A low- dose of caffeine suppresses EEG alpha power and improves working memory in healthy University males

The effects of a low dose of caffeine, administered in the morning, on brain wave activity and cognitive function were investigated in 25 healthy university Southeast Asian men (mean age ±standard deviation: 21 ± 2 years). Participants received a placebo (PLA) or a 50 mg caffeinated drink (CAF) under randomized, double-blind crossover conditions, with 1 week between conditions. Brain wave activity was assessed using electroencephalography (EEG) from a 5 min eyes-closed resting state. Cognitive function, i.e., visuomotor processing speed, working memory, and attention were assessed using the trail-making test A (Trails A) and B (Trails B), and digit span Forwards (DF), respectively. All tests were examined before drinking (BD), 30 min after drinking (AD), and 35 min after 5-min isokinetic exercise (AE). [Results] The CAF showed a significant decrease in the percentage changes from baseline (%∆) of alpha wave activity over the midline electrodes, i.e., frontal, central, and occipital areas after AD (p<0.05). Data from cognitive function tests were significantly improved after AD (p<0.05). A significant inverse correlation between the diminished alpha wave activity over the midline central and occipital cortical regions and the Trails B positive scores were observed (p<0.05). [Conclusion] The diminishment in resting alpha wave activity and improvement of cognitive function on working memory assessed by the Trails B following caffeine consumption would support the stimulant effects of low-dose caffeine as a morning wake-up drink in young adults.

The Intervention of Prebiotics on Depression via the Gut-Brain Axis

The imbalance of intestinal microbiota can cause the accumulation of endotoxin in the main circulation system of the human body, which has a great impact on human health. Increased work and life pressure have led to a rise in the number of people falling into depression, which has also reduced their quality of life. The gut–brain axis (GBA) is closely related to the pathological basis of depression, and intestinal microbiota can improve depressive symptoms through GBA. Previous studies have proven that prebiotics can modulate intestinal microbiota and thus participate in human health regulation. We reviewed the regulatory mechanism of intestinal microbiota on depression through GBA, and discussed the effects of prebiotics, including plant polysaccharides and polyphenols on the regulation of intestinal microbiota, providing new clues for the prevention and treatment of depression.

Can Nutrients and Dietary Supplements Potentially Improve Cognitive Performance Also in Esports?

Factors influencing brain function and cognitive performance can be critical to athletic performance of esports athletes. This review aims to discuss the potential beneficial effects of micronutrients, i.e., vitamins, minerals and biologically active substances on cognitive functions of e-athletes. Minerals (iodine, zinc, iron, magnesium) and vitamins (B vitamins, vitamins E, D, and C) are significant factors that positively influence cognitive functions. Prevention of deficiencies of the listed ingredients and regular examinations can support cognitive processes. The beneficial effects of caffeine, creatine, and probiotics have been documented so far. There are many plant products, herbal extracts, or phytonutrients that have been shown to affect precognitive activity, but more research is needed. Beetroot juice and nootropics can also be essential nutrients for cognitive performance. For the sake of players’ eyesight, it would be useful to use lutein, which, in addition to improving vision and protecting against eye diseases, can also affect cognitive functions. In supporting the physical and mental abilities of e-athletes the base is a well-balanced diet with adequate hydration. There is a lack of sufficient evidence that has investigated the relationship between dietary effects and improved performance in esports. Therefore, there is a need for randomized controlled trials involving esports players.

Effects of chronic bubble tea administration on behavior and cognition in C57BL/6 mice

PURPOSE

There is a lack of rigorous experimental evidence to verify the effects of bubble tea on body weight and mental health, especially whether it is an addictive thing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male adult C57BL/6 mice were randomly assigned to two groups, including the bubble-tea and the control group. The change in their body weight was calculated. Behavior tests include novel object recognition test (NORT), elevated plus maze test (EPMT), forced swim test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), conditioned place preference (CPP).

RESULTS

There was a significant time effect on weight change of the two groups (F = 36.83, P < 0.01). The bubble tea-treated mice spent significantly less time in the open arms, indicating an increase in anxiety (t = 2.39, P = 0.03). In FST, bubble tea treatment produced a significantly increased immobility time (186.58 ± 29.67 s) as compared to pure water treated group (112.50 ± 46.67 s) (t = -3.79, P < 0.01). Similarly, the immobility time in the TST was also significantly increased by bubble tea treatment (437.63 ± 27.72 s) compared to the treatment with pure water (340.24 ± 77.22 s) (t = -3.36, P < 0.01). We investigated the rewarding effects of bubble tea, using the CPP paradigm, which measures the rewarding properties of abused drugs. Independent-samples t-test revealed no significant difference between the two groups (t = -0.47, P = 0.65).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we showed that long-term administration of bubble tea could not induce addictive behavior in mice. Meanwhile, the long-term effects of bubble tea on weight were also very limited. However, long-term consumption of bubble tea can lead to anxiety and depression-like behaviors and impair cognitive function in mice.

Effects and mechanisms of natural products on Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia in elderly people with a high incidence rate and complicated pathogenesis, and causes progressive cognitive deficit and memory impairment. Some natural products and bioactive compounds from natural sources show great potential in the prevention and treatment of AD, such as apple, blueberries, grapes, chili pepper, Monsonia angustifolia, cruciferous vegetables, Herba epimedii, Angelica tenuissima, Embelia ribes, sea cucumber, Cucumaria frondosa, green tea, Puer tea, Amanita caesarea and Inonotus obliquus, via reducing amyloid beta (Aβ) deposition, decreasing Tau hyperphosphorylation, regulating cholinergic system, reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting apoptosis and ameliorating inflammation. This review mainly summarizes the effects of some natural products and their bioactive compounds on AD with the potential molecular mechanisms.

The protective effects of yellow tea extract against loperamide-induced constipation in mice

Yellow tea, a rare type tea from China, has a rich breadth of functional ingredients and benefits the gastrointestinal tract. However, it is not clear whether the yellow tea extract can alleviate constipation. Therefore, we used loperamide-induced constipation in mice to evaluate the effects of yellow tea extract. Fifty Kunming mice were randomly divided into five groups: normal, model, low-dose yellow tea extract, low-dose yellow tea extract prevention group, and high-dose yellow tea extract prevention group. Mice were administered yellow tea extract for 5 weeks followed by loperamide-induced constipation for the final 2 weeks. The results showed that yellow tea extract alleviated constipation symptoms by improving the fecal water content, defecation weight, and gastrointestinal transit rate. Yellow tea extract intervention also protected colon tissue, regulated serum neurotransmitters, and decreased the vasoactive intestinal peptide level. Furthermore, qRT-PCR indicated that yellow tea extract regulated genes associated with the constipation state, raised 5-HT3 and 5-HT4 and reduced AQP3 and AQP4 mRNA expression. Moreover, we found that yellow tea extract changed the gut microbiota composition. Community diversity and richness were increased and principal co-ordinate analysis demonstrated that the yellow tea extract prophylaxis groups differed from the model group. Difference analysis indicated that yellow tea extract increased Roseburia, Lachnospiraceae_UCG-006, and Bifidobacterium and decreased norank_f_Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group, unclassified_o_Bacteroidales, and Bacteroides, which are correlated with constipation. Based on these results, we believe that regular yellow tea consumption can effectively alleviate constipation.

Health Benefits and Chemical Composition of Matcha Green Tea: A Review

Japanese matcha is a type of powdered green tea, grown in a traditional way. Shading of the plants during the growth period enhances the processes of synthesis and accumulation of biologically active compounds, including theanine, caffeine, chlorophyll and various types of catechins. Green tea contains four main catechins, i.e., (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), of which the latter is the most active and abundant and matcha is their best condensed source. Due to its unique chemical composition and prized flavour, which sets it apart from other tea beverages, it is considered the highest quality tea. Its health-promoting properties are attributed to the high content of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances. Studies confirming the high antioxidant potential of tea beverages claim that it originates from the considerable content of catechins, a type of phenolic compound with beneficial effects on human health. Due to its potential for preventing many diseases and supporting cognitive function, regular consumption of matcha may have a positive effect on both physical and mental health. The aim of this review was to compile the health benefits of matcha tea. It is the first such review to be undertaken, and presents its main bioactive compounds in a systematic manner.

Effects of Matcha Green Tea Powder on Cognitive Functions of Community-Dwelling Elderly Individuals

Matcha Green Tea Powder contains a variety of active ingredients beneficial to health, such as tea catechins, lutein and vitamin K. It is also known that these ingredients confer benefits upon cognitive functions of elderly people. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between a daily supplementation of Matcha and the change in cognitive functions of community-dwelling elderly people. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week trial was performed. Sixty-one participants were recruited and randomly assigned to receive test drink containing 3 g powder from fresh Matcha or placebo powder per day. Changes in cognitive function were assessed utilizing a psychometric test battery. Daily food intake was assessed by a Brief-type Self-administered Diet History Questionnaire (BDHQ). In the gender-specific analysis, a significant cognitive enhancement was observed in the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score in the active group of women. In dietary analysis, we found a significant inverse correlation between consumption of vitamin K in daily diet, excluding test drinks, and change in MoCA. The present study suggests that daily supplementation of Matcha Green Tea Powder has protective effects against cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly women.

Tea consumption and measures of attention and psychomotor speed in the very old: the Newcastle 85+ longitudinal study

Background

A number of studies have indicated a beneficial effect of tea consumption on the reduction of risk of cognitive impairment and dementia in older aged populations. However, there is a paucity of data on these associations in the very old, defined as individuals aged 85 years and over. We investigated the relationship between tea consumption in the very old and measures of global cognitive function, memory, attention and psychomotor speed.

Method

Longitudinal (5-years), population-based cohort study of individuals aged 85+ years in the North East of England, United Kingdom. Participants were community-dwelling and institutionalized men and women recruited through general medical practices (n = 676). Baseline tea consumption and longitudinal measures of global and domain specific (memory, speed and attention) cognitive function were assessed. Linear mixed models, controlling for demographic (e.g. age, sex and education) and health variables were used to determine whether tea consumption was protective against cognitive decline.

Results

Tea consumption was not associated with cognitive function at baseline on any measure (unadjusted and adjusted analyses). In the linear mixed effects models adjusted for age, sex, education and disease co-morbidity, higher tea consumption was associated with significantly better attention (focused and sustained attention), and psychomotor speed (complex tasks only) over five-years follow-up. However, there was no association between tea consumption and global cognitive function, memory or performance on simple speed tasks over time.

Conclusions

In this cohort study of non-demented very old adults we found that higher (vs. lower) tea consumption was associated with better performance over time on measures of focused and sustained attention and some psychomotor speed tasks. No associations with global cognition, memory or easy speed tasks (simple Reaction Time or Word Recognition) were detected. The results have implications for the development of possible diet-based interventions focused on improving cognitive function in the very old age group. These findings need to be confirmed in a sufficiently powered and well-designed RCT with non-demented very old adults.

Effects of Caffeine on Event-Related Potentials and Neuropsychological Indices After Sleep Deprivation

Objective: Caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant that can effectively alleviate brain fatigue and low cognitive efficiency induced by total sleep deprivation (TSD). Recent studies have demonstrated that caffeine can improve subjective attention and objective behavioral metrics, such as arousal level, reaction time, and memory efficiency. However, only a few studies have examined the electrophysiological changes caused by the caffeine in humans following sleep disturbance. In this study, an event-related potential (ERP) technique was employed to measure the behavioral, cognitive, and electrophysiological changes produced by caffeine administration after TSD.

Methods: Sixteen healthy subjects within-subject design performed a visual Go/No-Go task with simultaneous electroencephalogram recording. Behavioral and ERP data were evaluated after 36 h of TSD, and the effects of ingestion of either 400 mg of caffeine or placebo were compared in a double-blind randomized design.

Results: Compared with placebo administration, the Go hit rates were significantly enhanced in the caffeine condition. A simple effect analysis revealed that, compared with baseline, the Go-P2 amplitude was significantly enhanced after TSD in the caffeine consumption condition. A significant main effect of the drug was found on No-Go-P2, No-Go-N2 amplitude, and Go-P2 latency before and after TSD.

Conclusion: Our findings indicate that caffeine administration has acute effects on improving the efficiency of individual automatic reactions and early cognitive processes. Caffeine was related to the preservation of an individual’s arousal level and accelerated response-related decisions, while subjects’ higher-level recognition had limited improvement with prolonged awareness.

Comparison of the Indicators of Psychological Stress in the Population of Hubei Province and Non-Endemic Provinces in China During Two Weeks During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak in February 2020

BACKGROUND During February 2020, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic in Hubei Province, China, was at its height, requiring isolation of the population. This study aimed to compare the emotional state, somatic responses, sleep quality, and behavior of people in Hubei Province with non-endemic provinces in China during two weeks in February 2020.  MATERIAL AND METHODS Questionnaires were completed by 939 individuals (357 men; 582 women), including 33 from Hubei and 906 from non-endemic provinces. The Stress Response Questionnaire (SRQ) determined the emotional state, somatic responses, and behavior. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to measure the duration of sleep and sleep quality. RESULTS There were 939 study participants, aged 18-24 years (35.89%) and 25-39 years (35.57%); 65.92% were university students. During a two week period in February 2020, the emotional state and behavior of participants in Hubei improved, but the quality of sleep did not. Health workers and business people became increasingly anxious, but other professionals became less anxious. The data showed that most people in Hubei Province developed a more positive attitude regarding their risk of infection and the chances of surviving the COVID-19 epidemic. CONCLUSIONS During a two-week period, front-line health workers and people in Hubei Province became less anxious about the COVID-19 epidemic, but sleep quality did not improve. Despite public awareness, levels of anxiety exist that affect the quality of life during epidemics, including periods of population quarantine. Therefore, health education should be combined with psychological counseling for vulnerable individuals.

Association of Hot Tea Consumption with Regional Adiposity Measured by Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry in NHANES 2003-2006

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the potential antiobesity benefits of hot tea consumption at the population level.

METHODS

Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2006, the association between hot tea consumption and dual-energy x-ray-measured body fat was examined in a large representative sample of US adults (n = 5,681, 51.9% women).

RESULTS

Compared with non-tea drinkers, men who consumed 0.25 to 1 cup per day of hot tea had 1.5% (95% CI: 0.4% to 2.6%) and 1.7% (95% CI: 0.4% to 3.0%) less total and trunk body fat, respectively. The associations were stronger among men 45 to 69 years old compared with younger men (20-44 years). For men who consumed 1 or more cups per day of hot tea, lower total (-1.2%, 95% CI: -2.3% to -0.2%) and trunk body fat (-1.3%, 95% CI: -2.6 to -0.1%) was observed among men 45 to 69 years old only. In women, those who drank 1 or more cups per day had 1.5% lower (95% CI: -2.7% to -0.3%) trunk body fat compared with non-tea drinkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Consumption of hot tea might be considered as part of a healthy diet in order to support parameters associated with metabolic health and may be particularly important in older male age groups in supporting reduced central adiposity.

Metabolome and Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis Reveals Anthocyanin Metabolism in Pink Flowers of Anthocyanin-Rich Tea (Camellia sinensis)

Almost all flowers of the tea plant (Camellia sinensis) are white, which has caused few researchers to pay attention to anthocyanin accumulation and color changing in tea flowers. A new purple-leaf cultivar, Baitang purple tea (BTP) was discovered in the Baitang Mountains of Guangdong, whose flowers are naturally pink, and can provide an opportunity to understand anthocyanin metabolic networks and flower color development in tea flowers. In the present study, twelve anthocyanin components were identified in the pink tea flowers, namely cyanidin O-syringic acid, petunidin 3-O-glucoside, pelargonidin 3-O-beta-d-glucoside, which marks the first time these compounds have been found in the tea flowers. The presence of these anthocyanins seem most likely to be the reason for the pink coloration of the flowers. Twenty-one differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in anthocyanin pathway were identified using KEGG pathway functional enrichment, and ten of these DEG’s screened using venn and KEGG functional enrichment analysis during five subsequent stages of flower development. By comparing DEGs and their expression levels across multiple flower development stages, we found that anthocyanin biosynthesis and accumulation in BTP flowers mainly occurred between the third and fourth stages (BTP3 to BTP4). Particularly, during the period of peak anthocyanin synthesis 17 structural genes were upregulated, and four structural genes were downregulated only. Ultimately, eight critical genes were identified using weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA), which were found to have direct impact on biosynthesis and accumulation of three flavonoid compounds, namely cyanidin 3-O-glucoside, petunidin 3-O-glucoside and epicatechin gallate. These results provide useful information about the molecular mechanisms of coloration in rare pink tea flower of anthocyanin-rich tea, enriching the gene resource and guiding further research on anthocyanin accumulation in purple tea.

More than just caffeine: psychopharmacology of methylxanthine interactions with plant-derived phytochemicals

In general, preparations of coffee, teas, and cocoa containing high levels of polyphenols, L-theanine and other bioactive compounds selectively enhance mood and cognition effects of caffeine. This review summarizes the bioactive components of commonly consumed natural caffeine sources (e.g. guayusa, mate and camellia teas, coffee and cocoa) and analyzes the psychopharmacology of constituent phytochemicals: methylxanthines, polyphenols, and L-theanine. Acute and chronic synergistic effects of these compounds on mood and cognition are compared and discussed. Specific sets of constituent compounds such as polyphenols, theobromine and L-theanine appear to enhance mood and cognition effects of caffeine and alleviate negative psychophysiological effects of caffeine. However, more research is needed to identify optimal combinations and ratios of caffeine and phytochemicals for enhancement of cognitive performance.

Prospective Associations between Single Foods, Alzheimer's Dementia and Memory Decline in the Elderly

Background: Evidence whether single &ldquo;cognitive health&rdquo; foods could prevent cognitive decline is limited. We investigated whether dietary intake of red wine, white wine, coffee, green tea, olive oil, fresh fish, fruits and vegetables, red meat and sausages, assessed by a single-food-questionnaire, would be associated with either incident Alzheimer&rsquo;s dementia (AD) or verbal memory decline. Methods: Participants aged 75+ of the German Study on Aging, Cognition and Dementia in Primary Care Patients (AgeCoDe) cohort were regularly followed over 10 years (n = 2622; n = 418 incident AD cases). Multivariable-adjusted joint modeling of repeated-measures and survival analysis was used, taking gender and Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE &epsilon;4) genotype into account as possible effect modifiers. Results: Only higher red wine intake was associated with a lower incidence of AD (HR = 0.92; P = 0.045). Interestingly, this was true only for men (HR = 0.82; P < 0.001), while in women higher red wine intake was associated with a higher incidence of AD (HR = 1.15; P = 0.044), and higher white wine intake with a more pronounced memory decline over time (HR = &minus;0.13; P = 0.052). Conclusion: We found no evidence for these single foods to be protective against cognitive decline, with the exception of red wine, which reduced the risk for AD only in men. Women could be more susceptible to detrimental effects of alcohol.

Neurobehavioral changes in mice offspring exposed to green tea during fetal and early postnatal development

BACKGROUND

Green tea extract (GTE) has various health promoting effects on animals and humans. However, the effects of perinatal exposure to GTE on the behavioral aspects of offspring have not been elucidated thus far. GTE was provided for pregnant female mice at concentrations of either 20 or 50 g/L, beginning the day of conception until the third week after delivery, postnatal day 22 (PD 22). Mice pups were subjected to behavioral testing to assess sensory motor reflexes, locomotion, anxiety, and learning on various postnatal days.

RESULTS

Perinatal exposure to GTE resulted in a significant reduction in body weight, as well as earlier body hair appearance and opening of the eyes. Sensory motor reflexes exhibited faster responses and significant stimulatory effects in pups exposed to GTE. During the adolescent period, male and female offspring exhibited increased locomotor activity (on PD 22), reduced anxiety and fear (on PD 25), and enhanced memory and learning abilities (on PD 30), all in both GTE treated groups. All blood counts (RBCs, WBCs, Hb, and platelets), and glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride, and low density lipoprotein concentrations were significantly lower in the GTE-treated pups; however, there was no effect on high density lipoprotein levels.

CONCLUSION

Our data provide evidence that the high dose of GTE (50 g/L) had higher anxiolytic properties and positive effects on locomotor activities and sensory motor reflexes, as well as learning and memory of the offspring than the low dose of GTE (20 g/L).