Long a matter of mystique in China for both age and extravagance of
claims, Pu-erh, a dark-colored tea, became the subject of study in
several countries following a 1970s Chinese report on its effect in
reducing blood fats. Articles about it as a "wonder drug" were
inspired by European publication of findings at the Kunming Medical
College First Hospital that Yunnan Tou Cha (Pu-erh molded in a bowl)
lowered cholesterol levels 17% and triglycerides 22%. Investigations
at the St. Antoine Hospital in Paris concluded that this tea did
help reduce body weight and blood triglycerides and cholesterol.
A
Free University of Berlin study in 1983, however, concluded that
this tea had no clear effect, and another in France found that it
acted only on triglycerides. But a study involving two universities
and a medical center in Japan found that tea also reduced
cholesterol, Pu-erh more effectively than green tea. And in Paris a
month of three cups of Pu-erh a day brought lipids down 25% on 20
hyperlipidemia patients, while those on other teas showed no change.
(Reported at a conference on this tea in Paris.) Meanwhile,
researchers at Kunming Medical College claimed that Pu-erh was
better than the commonly used medicine clofibrate, and had no side
effects. Whether Pu-erh is truly more effective than other teas has
not really been decided. Pu-erh is truly more effective than other
teas has not really been decided. Pu-erh is a rather unusual tea
with some properties that others do not share. It will be
fascinating to watch reports of further research to see whether
these are a factor, and whether they, in turn, create any other
problems.
