Researchers studied three types of a traditional Chinese tea called Liubao tea to see which one works best for weight loss and fighting inflammation. They tested the teas in the lab and in mice that were fed a high-fat diet. One type, called ginseng-aroma tea, performed the best. It had the most powerful compounds, reduced weight gain by more than half in the mice, improved their cholesterol levels, and changed their gut bacteria in healthy ways. While these results are promising, more research in humans is needed before we know if this tea can help people lose weight.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether three different types of Liubao tea (a traditional dark tea) could help reduce weight gain, lower inflammation, and improve cholesterol levels
  • Who participated: The study used laboratory tests and mice fed a high-fat diet to cause obesity. No human participants were involved in this research.
  • Key finding: Ginseng-aroma Liubao tea was the most effective, reducing weight gain by about 53% in obese mice, lowering inflammation markers, and improving their cholesterol and liver health
  • What it means for you: This tea shows promise as a natural supplement for weight management and reducing inflammation, but these results are from animal studies. Human studies are needed to confirm whether it would work the same way in people.

The Research Details

This was a laboratory and animal research study that compared three types of Liubao tea. First, researchers analyzed the chemical compounds in each tea type to see which had the most beneficial ingredients. Then they tested how well each tea worked in test tubes to fight inflammation and reduce fat absorption. Finally, they gave the tea extracts to mice that had been fed a high-fat diet to make them overweight, and measured how much weight the mice lost and how their health improved.

The three tea types studied were: ginseng-aroma tea, betelnut-aroma tea, and stale-aroma tea. Each type has a different flavor profile and slightly different chemical makeup. The researchers wanted to understand if these differences affected how well the tea could help with weight loss and inflammation.

This research approach is important because it helps scientists understand not just whether a tea works, but also why it works and which version is best. By testing in both lab conditions and living organisms (mice), researchers can see if the beneficial compounds actually do what they’re supposed to do in a body. This type of research is a necessary step before testing in humans.

This study was published in the Journal of Food Science, which is a respected scientific journal. The researchers used multiple testing methods to confirm their findings, which makes the results more reliable. However, because this study only used mice and lab tests, not human participants, the results cannot be directly applied to people yet. Animal studies are important first steps, but human studies are needed to prove the tea would have the same effects in people.

What the Results Show

All three types of Liubao tea contained beneficial compounds called polyphenols and flavonoids, which are known to fight inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. However, ginseng-aroma tea had the highest amounts of these compounds.

In laboratory tests, ginseng-aroma tea was the strongest at fighting free radicals (harmful molecules that damage cells), blocking an enzyme that helps the body absorb fat, and reducing inflammation markers. It removed over 60% of free radicals, blocked 89% of the fat-absorbing enzyme, and reduced inflammation by about 68%.

When given to obese mice, ginseng-aroma tea produced the most impressive results. The mice that received this tea gained about 53% less weight than mice that didn’t receive it. Their livers were healthier (less fat buildup), their blood cholesterol improved, and their overall inflammation decreased.

The researchers also discovered that the tea changed the mice’s gut bacteria in beneficial ways—increasing good bacteria and decreasing harmful ones. This change in gut bacteria may be one reason why the tea helped with weight loss.

The study found that all three tea types had some anti-obesity benefits, not just the ginseng-aroma version. Betelnut-aroma and stale-aroma teas also showed positive effects in reducing weight gain and inflammation, though not as strongly as the ginseng type. The research also revealed that the tea works by affecting how the body processes and stores fat, through several different biological pathways. This suggests that Liubao tea has multiple ways of helping with weight management, not just one mechanism.

Previous research has suggested that traditional dark teas have health benefits, but this is one of the first studies to systematically compare different varieties of Liubao tea and explain how they work. The findings support earlier research showing that tea polyphenols can help with weight management and inflammation, while adding new information about which type of Liubao tea is most effective and why.

This study has several important limitations. First, it only tested mice, not humans, so we don’t know if the same results would occur in people. Second, the study used concentrated tea extracts in the animal tests, not regular brewed tea, so the amounts used may be different from what someone would drink. Third, the study didn’t specify exactly how many mice were used or provide detailed information about the study design. Finally, the mice were given the tea as a treatment for obesity that was already present, so we don’t know if it would work as well for preventing weight gain in the first place.

The Bottom Line

Based on this research, ginseng-aroma Liubao tea appears promising as a potential dietary supplement for weight management and reducing inflammation. However, these are early-stage findings from animal studies. If you’re interested in trying this tea, it’s reasonable to do so as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle, but don’t expect it to work as a weight-loss treatment on its own. Always consult with a healthcare provider before using any supplement, especially if you take medications or have health conditions.

This research is most relevant to people interested in natural approaches to weight management and inflammation reduction. It may be of particular interest to those who enjoy tea and want to choose varieties with potential health benefits. However, people with caffeine sensitivity, pregnant women, and those taking certain medications should consult a doctor before consuming large amounts of tea. This research is not a substitute for medical treatment of obesity or inflammatory conditions.

In animal studies, the beneficial effects appeared over several weeks of regular consumption. In humans, if this tea works similarly, you would likely need to drink it regularly for several weeks to months to notice any effects. Weight loss and health improvements typically take time and work best when combined with healthy eating and exercise habits.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily Liubao tea consumption (cups per day and type), along with weekly weight measurements and energy levels. Note any changes in digestion, inflammation markers (like joint pain or bloating), or cholesterol levels if you have recent blood work.
  • Start by replacing one daily beverage (like coffee or sugary drinks) with a cup of ginseng-aroma Liubao tea. Brew it properly according to package directions and drink it consistently for at least 4-8 weeks while maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine. Track how you feel and any changes in your weight or energy.
  • Create a weekly log tracking: tea consumption frequency, body weight (weekly weigh-ins), energy levels (1-10 scale), digestive health, and any inflammation symptoms. Compare monthly trends rather than daily fluctuations. If using the app with a connected scale, set a goal to track weight trends over 8-12 weeks to see if the tea contributes to gradual, healthy weight loss when combined with other healthy habits.

This research was conducted in laboratory and animal studies only—not in humans. The findings suggest potential benefits but cannot be directly applied to people without human clinical trials. This tea should not be used as a replacement for medical treatment of obesity, high cholesterol, or inflammatory conditions. Consult your healthcare provider before using Liubao tea as a supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have existing health conditions. Results in humans may differ significantly from animal study results. Always combine any dietary supplement with a balanced diet and regular exercise for best health outcomes.