New research from Korea shows that EGCG selectively suppressed keloid fibroblast proliferation and migration compared to its effect on normal fibroblast proliferation and migration. Keloids are common benign skin tumors, characterized by collagen accumulation and hyperproliferation of fibroblasts. Read the rest of this entry »

Green tea polyphenols have been reported to preserve tissues such as blood vessels, corneas, nerves, islet cells, articular cartilage, and myocardium. Research in Japan examined the effects of EGCG on skin preservation. Utilizing epidermal and dermal skin cells in culture, the researchers report that the tea polyphenol helped to preserve the skin cells for up to seven weeks and allowed successful skin grafting. The researchers commented that these findings suggest “the future clinical usefulness of EGCG for skin preservation, however the mechanism by which EGCG promotes skin preservation still remains unclear.” Read the rest of this entry »

Scientists in Taiwan studied the effect of green tea extract on 78 obese women aged 16 to 60 years. They found no significant improvement in body weight, body mass index and weight circumflex. There were significant improvements in LDL cholesterol and triglyceride. Read the rest of this entry »

Japanese researchers explored the effect of tea catechins and regular exercise and the aging associated declining physical performance in mice. The endurance capacity of mice as measured by running time decreased by 17% in control mice, while those fed green tea catechins (0.35%) suffered no decline in endurance. The authors concluded “long-term intake of catechins, together with habitual exercise, is beneficial for suppressing the age-related decline in physical performance and energy metabolism, and these effects are due, at least in part, to improved mitochondrial function in skeletal muscle.” Read the rest of this entry »

Just to keep things in perspective, the previous item about green tea extracts potentially causing liver problems must be balanced against research showing that green tea is protective against liver disease. Chinese researchers a value weighted interventional and observational studies in both Western countries and in China published between 1989 and 2007. They found “a significant protective role of green tea against various liver diseases” and “a positive correlation between green tea intake and attenuation of liver disease.” Their conclusion? “An increased consumption of green tea may reduce the risk of liver disease.” Read the rest of this entry »

Green tea is the fourth most commonly used dietary supplement in the United States. After the publication of adverse event case reports involving green tea products and potential liver toxicity, the US Pharmacopeia reviewed safety information for green tea products. 216 case reports on green tea products were analyzed including 34 reports concerning liver damage. 27 reports pertaining to liver damage were categorized as possible causality and seven as probable causality. Pharmacokinetic and animal toxicological studies indicate that consumption of green tea concentrated extracts on an empty stomach is more likely to lead to adverse effects than consumption in the fed state. USP concluded “when dietary supplement products containing green tea extracts are used in formulated appropriately the Committee is unaware of significant safety issues that would prohibit monograph development, provided that caution statement is included in the labeling section.” Read the rest of this entry »

The green tea flavonoid EGCG has potential therapeutic value for treatment to for HIV-1 infection EGCG binds to the CD4 molecule on T-cells according to research conducted in 2006. “We have demonstrated clear evidence of high affinity binding of EGCG to the CD4 molecule. EGCG has potential use as an adjunctive treatment in HIV-1 infection.” Read the rest of this entry »

Recent research published in the American Journal of Physiology Endocrinology And Metabolism describes wide-ranging cardiovascular protective functions of a green tea polyphenol, EGCG. EGCG improved endothelial function and insulin sensitivity, reduced blood pressure and protected against myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury. The addition of improvements in insulin sensitivity to the cardiovascular benefits indicates the benefit of green tea polyphenols against metabolic syndrome with hypertension, insulin resistance and overweight. Read the rest of this entry »

In studies conducted on human skin, green tea polyphenols prevented ultraviolet (UVB) induced chemical changes in the skin, which are considered to be mediators of UVB induced immunosuppression and skin cancer induction. GTP treated humans can prevented penetration of UV radiation, and protected against UVB-induced local as well as systemic immune suppression in laboratory animals. “These in vivo observations suggest that GTP is our photo protective and can be used as pharmacological agents for the prevention of solar UVB light induced skin disorders associated with immune suppression and DNA damage.” Read the rest of this entry »

The incidence of late onset breast cancer has been increasing dramatically in the United States. Since genetic factors are believed to result primarily in early onset cases, accumulation of environmental toxins has been proposed as one factor in the increased incidence. Research reported in the Journal of Nutrition demonstrates that EGCG and protect mice against carcinogen induced breast tumors. The green tea polyphenol significantly decreased mammary tumor burden and invasiveness and significantly increased latency to the first tumor. The authors suggest “the ability of EGCG and other tea polyphenols to inhibit carcinogenesis make EGCG a good template for deriving small molecule drugs. Modifications and structure may improve the pharmacokinetics and effectiveness. As a readily available dietary substance, it holds promise for prevention of early-stage cancer.” Read the rest of this entry »