Purple Tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) Leaves and Obesity Management: A Review of 1,2-Di-Galloyl-4,6-Hexahydroxydiphenoyl-β-D-Glucose's (GHG) Potential Health Benefits, and Future Prospects

Purple tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) is a distinct variety of Camellia sinensis known for its bioactive compounds, including caffeine, catechins, and a unique compound called 1,2-di-Galloyl-4,6-Hexahydroxydiphenoyl-β-D-Glucose, (GHG) found predominantly in purple tea leaves, which shows potential in obesity management. Studies have indicated that these bioactive compounds play a significant role in reducing BMI and body weight among obese patients. This review focuses on how GHG impacts body weight and BMI in obese patients. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using Science Direct, Semantic Scholar, Wiley, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases up to 2024. The search employed both single keywords (e.g., 'purple tea', 'GHG', 'obesity') and multiple keyword combinations (e.g., 'purple tea and obesity', 'GHG and weight loss') related to purple tea, GHG, obesity, BMI, and clinical studies. The database search yielded 246 articles, with 173 articles retained after removing duplicates and studies published before 1999. This systematic approach aimed to gather comprehensive data on the phytochemistry, pharmacology, and potential therapeutic applications of purple tea. The investigation revealed that GHG operates through multiple mechanisms, such as inhibiting pancreatic lipase to reduce fat absorption, suppressing adipogenesis and lipogenesis, and preventing fatty tissue formation. Clinical investigations demonstrated significant reductions in BMI, waist circumference, and body weight among individuals consuming purple tea extracts with high GHG levels. Additional metabolic benefits include increased energy expenditure, improved insulin sensitivity, and enhanced glucose metabolism regulation. While more comprehensive research is needed to fully elucidate the optimal dosage and long-term effects, current evidence suggests that GHG from purple tea could be a valuable natural intervention in the multifaceted approach to obesity management.