Introduction: Sarcopenia is a multifactorial syndrome characterized by musculoskeletal involution with loss of skeletal and muscle mass and strength, leading to dependence, poor quality of life, and mortality. In this respect, nutritional supplementation with antioxidants could mitigate these issues. Therefore, green tea extract (rich in catechins) may improve musculoskeletal function by influencing age-related cellular processes, mainly related to oxidative stress. We aimed to evaluate the current evidence in the literature on catechin supplementation in older adult patients diagnosed with sarcopenia.

Methods: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in databases to assess the effects of catechins on hematological, biochemical, hormonal, inflammatory, and muscle damage biomarkers, physical performance, anthropometrics, vital signs, and emotional symptoms. Original articles published up to 5 May 2024 with a controlled trial design comparing a group supplemented with catechins with a control group were included.

Results: Among the 97 records identified in the search, 7 studies met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Overall, catechin supplementation gave statistically significant decreases (p<0.05) in blood leucocytes and the hormone myostatin. The muscle mass index of both legs and arms increased significantly (p<0.05) after catechin supplementation.

Conclusion: Oral supplementation with catechins improves muscle mass and strength leading to therapeutic benefits in age-related patients with sarcopenia. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect of catechins could be due to the suppression of transcription factor NF-κß, improving the state of skeletal muscle.