Camellia sinensis fruit peel extract inhibits angiogenesis and ameliorates obesity induced by high-fat diet in rats

Tea fruit peel is an agricultural waste of tea manufacturing industry that contains phenols with high antioxidant activities. This study examined the effect of green tea fruit peel extract (PE) against angiogenesis and obesity. We found that PE significantly inhibited the tubular formation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC) and saponin were the functional components present in PE that contributed to significant anti-angiogenesis effect. Administration of PE (100 mg/kg/d) significantly decreased the body weight in rats fed high-fat diet (HFD) whereas the food intakes between HFD and PE treatment groups were not significantly different. White adipose tissue fat-pad weights were markedly reduced in rats fed HFD plus PE compared to those in HFD group. These results showed the potential of green tea fruit peel extract in preventing angiogenesis and obesity.