[Problem] To provide a new pharmacological action for
high-molecular-weight polyphenols
[Solution] To provide high-molecular-weight polyphenols extracted from
fermented tea (e.g. oolong tea or black tea), which are
high-molecular-weight polyphenols with a number average molecular weight
ranging from 9,000 to 18,000, and containing in their partial structures
a procyanidin structure of polymerized catechins and/or their gallates,
and a structure of linkage between the B-rings of catechins and/or their
gallates. These high-molecular-weight polyphenols have the functions of
mitochondrial activation, suppression of increase in blood glucose, and
suppression of weight gain. Therefore, they can be used as drugs for the
treatment of mitochondrial disease, and also as drugs for the prevention
and treatment of diabetes. They may also be added to health foods and
beverages. The selected drawing shows changes in blood glucose level when
the said high-molecular-weight polyphenols are given daily to diabetes
model mice in specified doses.