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White tea accelerates re-entrainment to 6-hour phase advances in mice

In a mouse model of circadian disruption, white tea markedly accelerated re-entrainment to a 6-hour phase advance. Dark and black tea improved adaptation to 6-hour phase delays. Dark tea exerted the most prominent modulation of core clock genes across tissues.

Last updated: Jul 7, 2026•0 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score24/100
Human RCT☆☆☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. Distinct effects of tea types and components on circadian rhythm entrainment and clock gene regulation.

observational

Zhang J, Li H, Ma C, Zhang S, Wu G, Shen B, Chen B, Chen L, Zhang Q, Yang G · NPJ science of food (2025)

Participants: N/A
Duration: N/A
Intervention: Six major tea types (oolong, dark, green, black, yellow, white) and four components (theanine, theophylline, EGCG, tea polyphenols) administered to mice and cell cultures
Outcome: Re-entrainment speed to phase shifts (6-hour advance or delay), core clock gene expression, circadian period length in cells
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Mice (animal model) and cellular models of circadian disruption

Result:

PubMed: 41315249DOI: 10.1038/s41538-025-00646-x

Mechanism Graph

Tea bioactive compounds interact with circadian clock machinery
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Modulation of core clock gene expression in peripheral tissues
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Alteration of circadian period length in cells
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Enhanced adaptation to phase shifts and long cycles

Limitations

  • ⚠Animal and cellular models only; human translation not confirmed
  • ⚠Specific dosages and administration routes not reported in abstract
  • ⚠Mechanistic pathways underlying tissue-specific effects not detailed

Frequently Asked Questions

Which type of tea was most effective for phase advance re-entrainment?▼

White tea markedly accelerated re-entrainment to 6-hour phase advances in mice.

Did any tea components affect circadian period in cells?▼

Yes, tea polyphenols, theophylline, and EGCG prolonged circadian periods in cells and enhanced adaptation to long cycles.

What was the study population?▼

The study used mice (animal models) and cellular models of circadian disruption.

Could these findings apply to human jet lag?▼

The authors suggest potential for mitigating jet lag, but direct human studies are needed to confirm efficacy and safety.

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References

  1. 1.Zhang J, Li H, Ma C, Zhang S, Wu G, Shen B, Chen B, Chen L, Zhang Q, Yang G. "Distinct effects of tea types and components on circadian rhythm entrainment and clock gene regulation.." NPJ science of food, 2025. PMID: 41315249 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-025-00646-x
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.