Systematic Comparison of Anti‐Obesity Effects Among Three Characteristic Aroma‐Type Liubao Teas Based on Anti‐Inflammatory and Lipid‐Lowering Activities

Liubao tea (LBT), a traditional dark tea, is recognized for its health-promoting properties, particularly its potential to mitigate obesity. However, differences in functional efficacy among distinct aroma types remain unexplored. In this study, we systematically compared the anti-obesity activities and phytochemical characteristics of three aroma-type LBTs, namely, ginseng (GA), betelnut (BA), and stale (SA), to clarify the compositional and functional distinctions. Phytochemical analysis showed that all three teas were rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, organic acids, and other compounds, with GA-type LBT containing the highest polyphenol (477.32 mg/g) and flavonoid (240.83 mg/g) contents. In vitro, all LBT extracts displayed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Among them, GA exhibited the strongest effects, scavenging over 60% of free radicals, inhibiting pancreatic lipase by 89.27%, and reducing nitric oxide production in macrophages by 67.95%. In a high-fat diet-induced obese mouse model, GA-type LBT also showed the most pronounced anti-obesity outcomes, reducing weight gain by 52.98%, alleviating hepatic steatosis and systemic inflammation, and improving serum lipid profiles. Mechanistic studies revealed that LBT extracts modulated the gut microbiota by increasing beneficial microbes and decreasing harmful ones, while also regulating lipid metabolism pathways related to glycerophospholipid, glycerolipid, and arachidonic acid. In conclusion, although all three aroma types possess anti-obesity potential, GA-type LBT stands out due to its unique bioactive composition and consistently strong efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This study identifies GA-type LBT as a promising candidate for anti-obesity dietary supplements and provides a scientific basis for the aroma-specific selection of LBT.