The biochemical characteristics of a novel fermented loose tea by Eurotium cristatum (MF800948) and its hypolipidemic activity in a zebrafish model

Abstract

Fuzhuan brick tea is a distinctive Chinese dark tea for its significant health benefits and unique quality characteristics by a unique fungal fermentation stage, in which Eurotium cristatum strains play a crucial role in the post-fermentation process. In this study, the biochemical characteristics and lipid-lowing activity of E. cristatum (MF800948)-fermented loose tea (FT) were investigated. The results showed that total phenolics, flavonoids, catechins and free amino acids were decreased after fermentation, while three purine alkaloids, soluble carbohydrates and theabrownins were significantly increased compared to green tea. In addition, d-limonene (27.71%) and β-myrcene (11.55%) were the predominant volatiles in FT, giving the characteristic fruity and balsamic scent to the fermented loose tea. Correspondingly, the aqueous extract of FT showed potent lipid-lowering activity in a high-fat zebrafish model and the optimum effective concentration was 500 μg/mL, at which the lipid level declined to 51.49% compared to control group. Hence, it was suggested that loose tea fermented by E. cristatum (MF800948) could provide valuable insights for developing a high-quality and hypolipidemic dark tea.