Green tea catechin EGCG attenuates hippocampal atrophy and cognitive impairment in obesity via autophagy signaling

Obesity poses significant risks to cognitive function, particularly through mechanisms such as hippocampal atrophy and insulin resistance. This research delves into the potential of epigallocatechin‑3‑gallate (EGCG), a principal catechin found in green tea, to address these issues. Initial findings from an epidemiological analysis of adults with obesity in the UK Biobank suggested a beneficial correlation between green tea consumption and increased hippocampal volume (p = 0.07).

To investigate the mechanisms behind this, a study was conducted in which high-fat diet-fed mice received a dose of EGCG appropriate for human consumption, specifically 50 mg/kg. The results demonstrated that EGCG administration led to notable outcomes: reduced body weight, decreased inflammatory signaling, and enhanced insulin sensitivity. Furthermore, there was a significant reduction in hippocampal atrophy alongside improvements in cognitive function.

On a mechanistic level, EGCG appeared to restore synaptic integrity by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory JNK pathway, rejuvenating hippocampal insulin signaling through IRS1/Akt pathways, and promoting neuronal autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling cascade. Collectively, these findings suggest that EGCG effectively combats neurodegeneration associated with obesity, linking metabolic health to the preservation of hippocampal function through a framework involving inflammation, insulin signaling, and autophagy. These insights underline the importance of dietary interventions as a strategy to alleviate cognitive decline. [NPID: Hippocampus, hippocampal, insulin resistance, EGCG, insulin sensitivity, cognitive decline]

Year: 2026

Reference: Huang, K., Li, X., Chen, Y., Qi, Y., Zhang, W., Tan, J. E., Chan, J. Y., Lu, J., Hao, F., Shi, J., Yan, S., Huang, Z., Wu, X., Xu, Q., & Ma, Z. (2026). Green tea catechin EGCG attenuates hippocampal atrophy and cognitive impairment in obesity via autophagy signaling. Npj Science of Food. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41538-026-00914-4

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