Green Tea Leaf Extract 500mg per capsule
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Green Tea Extract contains powerful antioxidants which promote overall good health, strengthen the immune system, support cognitive function, and reduce the risk of diseases. See a partial listing of uses, as cited by the University of Maryland.

The active ingredients of green tea are called polyphenols and have been researched as part of treatments for a remarkably wide variety of diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, and liver disease.

 

Researchers have proven that green tea may prevent coronary heart disease by promoting the health of cells that make up the artery wall (Phytother-Res.)

Additionally, researchers have found that green tea, coupled with a low-saturated diet, significantly lowers total cholesterol and raises good cholesterol (Archives of Internal Medicine). 

“Epigallo-catechin gallate (EGCG) is the major Polyphenol found in Green Tea. EGCG has anti-tumor-promoting effect.”
---Journal of Biological Chemistry. 2005 Apr. 29, v. 280, no. 17 p. 16882-16890

GREEN TEA AND CANCER:

According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, green tea has been proven to reduce the risk of cancer or even reverse its effects.  Polyphenols, the powerful antioxidants present in green tea in high concentrations, help kill cancerous cells and stop the progression of many types of the disease, including bladder cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, and especially skin cancer.  Green tea protects the skin by blocking harmful UV rays and prolonging the life of skin cells (See: Curr-Drug-Targets-Immune-Endocr-Metabol-Discord).

 

SEE MEDICAL JOURNAL CITATIONS FOR GREEN TEA

The University of Maryland Medical Center
summarizes the uses of Green tea:

ATHEROSCLEROSIS
Population-based studies indicate that the antioxidant properties of green tea may help prevent atherosclerosis, particularly coronary artery disease. (Population-based studies refers to studies that follow large groups of people over time and/or studies that are comparing groups of people living in different cultures or with different dietary habits, etc.)

HIGH CHOLESTEROL
Green tea has demonstrated an ability to lower total cholesterol and raise HDL ("good") cholesterol in both animals and people. One population-based study found that men who drink green tea are more likely to have lower total cholesterol thank those who do not drink green tea. Results from one animal study suggest that polyphenols in green tea may block the intestinal absorption of cholesterol and promote its excretion from the body.

CANCER
The cancer-protective effects of green tea have been reported in several population-based studies. For example, cancer rates tend to be low in countries such as Japan where green tea is regularly consumed. However, it is not possible to determine from these population-based studies whether green tea actually prevents cancer in people. Emerging animal and clinical studies are beginning to suggest that substances in green tea known as polyphenols may play an important role in the prevention of cancer. These substances act as powerful antioxidants. Researchers also believe that polyphenols help kill cancerous cells and stop its progression.

BLADDER CANCER
Only a few studies have examined the relationship between bladder cancer and green tea consumption. In one study that compared people with and without bladder cancer, researchers found that women who drank black tea and powdered green tea were less likely to develop bladder cancer. A follow-up study by the same group of researchers revealed that bladder cancer patients (particularly men) who drank green tea had a substantially better 5-year survival rate than those who did not.

BREAST CANCER
Studies in animals and test tubes suggest that polyphenols in green tea inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. In one study of 472 women with various stages of breast cancer, researchers found that women who consumed the most green tea experienced the least spread of cancer (particularly premenopausal women with early stages of breast cancer). They also found that women with early stages of the disease who drank at least 5 cups of tea every day before being diagnosed with cancer were less likely to suffer recurrences of the disease after completion of treatment. However, women with late stages of breast cancer experienced little or no improvement from drinking green tea.

COLORECTAL CANCER
Studies on the effects of green tea on colon or rectal cancer have produced conflicting results. Some studies show decreased risk in those who drink the tea, while others show increased risk. Further research is needed before green tea can be recommended for the prevention of colorectal cancer.

ESOPHAGEAL CANCER
Studies in laboratory animals have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of esophageal cancer cells. However, results of studies in people have been conflicting. For example, one large-scale population-based study found that green tea offered significant protection against the development of esophageal cancer (particularly among women). Another population-based study revealed just the opposite -- green tea consumption was associated with an increased risk of esophageal cancer. In fact, the stronger and hotter the tea, the greater the risk. Given these conflicting findings, further research is needed before green tea can be recommended for the prevention of esophageal cancer.

LUNG CANCER
While green tea polyphenols have been shown to inhibit the growth of human lung cancer cells in test tubes, few studies have investigated the link between green tea consumption and lung cancer in people and even these studies have been conflicting. One population-based study found that Okinawan tea (similar to green tea but partially fermented) was associated with decreased lung cancer risk, particularly among women. A second study revealed that green tea and black tea significantly increased the risk of lung cancer. As with colon and esopageal cancers, further studies are needed before any conclusions can be drawn about green tea and lung cancer.

PANCREATIC CANCER
In one large-scale study comparing green tea drinkers with non-drinkers, those who drank the most tea were significantly less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. This was particularly true for women -- those who drank the most green tea were half as likely to develop pancreatic cancer as those who drank less tea. Men who drank the most tea were 37% less likely to develop pancreatic cancer. It is not clear from this population-based study, however, whether green tea is solely responsible for reducing pancreatic cancer risk. Although promising, further studies in animals and people are needed before green tea can be recommended for the prevention of pancreatic cancer.

PROSTATE CANCER
Laboratory studies have found that green tea extracts prevent the growth of prostate cancer cells in test tubes. However, both green and black tea extracts were also found to stimulate genes that cause cells to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs. Given this potential interaction, black and green tea (as well as extracts of these teas) should not be taken while receiving chemotherapy.

SKIN CANCER
The main polyphenol in green tea is epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Scientific studies suggest that EGCG and green tea polyphenols have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties that may help prevent the onset and growth of skin tumors.

STOMACH CANCER
Laboratory studies have found that green tea polyphenols inhibit the growth of stomach cancer cells in test tubes, but studies in people have been less conclusive. In two studies that compared green tea drinkers with non-drinkers, researchers found that people who drank tea were about half as likely to develop stomach cancer and gastritis (inflammation of the stomach) as those who did not drink green tea. However, a recent study including more than 26,000 men and women in Japan found no association between green tea consumption and stomach cancer risk. Some studies even suggest that green tea may increase the risk of stomach cancer.

Further studies are underway to determine whether green tea helps reduce the risk of stomach cancer. Although green tea is considered safe for people at risk for stomach cancer, it is too soon to tell whether green tea reduces the likelihood of developing this disease.

INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASE (IBD)
Green tea may help reduce inflammation associated with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, the two types of IBD. Also, if green tea proves to be helpful for preventing colon cancer, this would be an added benefit for those with IBD because they are at risk for colon cancer.

DIABETES
Green tea has been used traditionally to control blood sugar in the body. Animal studies suggest that green tea may help prevent the development of type 1 diabetes and slow the progression once it has developed. People with type 1 diabetes produce little or no insulin, a hormone that converts glucose (sugar), starches, and other foods into energy needed for daily life. Green tea may help regulate glucose in the body. More research in
this area would be helpful.

LIVER DISEASE
Population-based studies have shown that men who drink more than 10 cups of green tea per day are less likely to develop disorders of the liver. Green tea also appears to protect the liver from the damaging effects of toxic substances such as alcohol. Animal studies have shown that green tea helps protect against the development of liver tumors in mice.

Results from several animal and human studies suggest that one of the polyphenols present in green tea, known as catechin, may help treat viral hepatitis (inflammation of the liver from a virus). In these studies, catechin was isolated from green tea and used in very high concentrations. It is not clear at this time, whether green tea (which contains a lower concentration of catechins) confers these same benefits to people with hepatitis.

WEIGHT LOSS
Studies suggest that green tea extract may boost metabolism and help burn fat, but there have been no specific studies of this herb in overweight or obese individuals. Some researchers speculate that substances in green tea known as polyphenols, specifically the catechins, are responsible for the herb's fat-burning effect.

BACKGROUND:

Green tea has been used as a medicinal supplement for thousands of years.  Ancient cultures in India and China were the first to recognize that green tea maintains cardiac health, regulates blood sugar, promotes a healthy metabolism, and improves mental processes (University of Maryland Medical Center).  Western countries have only more recently discovered this remarkable substance, and researchers all over the world are beginning to identify the specific properties of green tea which make it such a powerful dietary supplement.

“Blueberries, pomegranates, green tea, and cabernet wine were among many antioxidant-rich foods and drinks shown to prevent disease in 1999. Antioxidants prevent the damage done to cells by free radicals, molecules that are released during the normal metabolic process of oxidation. Oxidation can lead to cancerous changes, accelerate the aging process, and contribute to heart disease and degenerative diseases such as arthritis.”

-----Encyclopedia Britannica


WHAT ARE GREEN TEA POLYPHENOLS?

The secret to green tea’s extraordinary health benefits lies in its naturally high concentration of polyphenols, chemicals present in other substances such as black tea, red wine, pomegranates, and a large number of other natural foods, all of which have been traditionally used in alternative medicine (Journal of Biological Chemistry).  Polyphenols act as antioxidants, preventing the harmful effects of oxidation on cells and tissue in the body.  Antioxidants have become increasingly popular today because of the increased presence of oxidation in our environment caused by ultraviolet light, radiation, cigarette smoke, and pollution (University of Maryland Medical Center).  Now more than ever the body needs the strength of antioxidants, and green tea contains antioxidants in higher concentration than almost any other naturally occurring food.


OTHER USES FOR GREEN TEA:

Green tea possesses several other medicinal properties.  In smokers, green tea has been shown to neutralize the carcinogenic properties of tobacco, as well as reduce the risk of oral cancers (Phytomedicine). 

As a great promoter of the health of cells, green tea can act as an anti-aging substance, prolonging the life of cells and preventing degeneration.  De-generation in neural tissue cells is a leading cause in diseases such as Alzheimer’s, and researchers have experimented with green tea extracts on Alzheimer’s patients to prove that green tea can be used to fight or even prevent the disease in persons of advanced age (Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry).

In addition to its role in cancer prevention and cellular health, green tea promotes a healthy metabolism and reduces the effects of stress on the body (Toxicol.Lett.).  As a dietary supplement, green tea has been used for weight management (British Journal of Nutrition).  Stress produces a larger amount of oxidation in the body, and the powerful antioxidants in green tea help to reduce oxidation from all sources.

Research into the specific causes of the benefits of green tea is ongoing.  By isolating the chemicals present in green tea which are the source of its healing, scientists are developing the best ways for delivering green tea’s health benefits.  Dietary supplements are a means of providing the antioxidants of green tea in high concentration, and are a natural and healthy means of promoting good cellular health (Mutat.-Res.).

           
CITATIONS:

“This preliminary work suggests that green tea extracts may play a role in weight management through increased energy expenditure.”
---- British Journal of Nutrition 2005 94:432-436.

“Green tea extract has a high polyphenol content…Significantly promotes cell survival….”
---- Life-Sci. 2005 Jun 3; 77(3): 345-58


“Green tea polyphenols were also found to inhibit the urinary mutagenicity [inducing mutations] in rats induced by tobacco extract. Moreover green tea polyphenols were found to inhibit in vitro nitrosation reaction produced by reaction sodium nitrite and methyl urea and further inhibition of mutagenicity indicating that green tea has dual action to bring out a reduction in the mutagenic and carcinogenic potential of tobacco.”
---- Phytomedicine. 2005 Mar; 12(3): 216-20


“Studies in cell culture and laboratory animals have shown that green tea and its major component, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, inhibit cell growth and reduce tumor incidence. The study, although preliminary, indicates that drinking green tea reduced the number of damaged cells in smokers by inducing cell growth arrest and apoptosis, a mechanism similar to that observed in cultured cells and animals. These results warrant a large-scale intervention trial to further verify the role of green tea in the prevention of oral cancer in smokers.”
----- Mol-Nutr-Food-Res. 2005 Jan; 49(1): 43-51


“Green tea extract (Sunphenon), which is rich in catechins (polyphenols)…”
---- J-Agric-Food-Chem. 2005 Jan 26; 53(2): 332-7


“Since green tea is considered to exert a number of beneficial health effects, green tea products are widely used as dietary supplements…”
---- Food Chemistry Toxicology. 2005 Feb; 43(2): 307-14

The potential protective roles played by green tea polyphenol (GTP) against the injurious effects of reactive oxygen species in human microvascular endothelial cells (HUMVECs) were investigated. These results demonstrate that GTP can act as a biological antioxidant in a cell culture experimental model and prevent oxidative stress-induced cytotoxicity [harmful to cells] in ECs.
---- Toxicol-Lett. 2005 Feb 15; 155(2): 269-75

Tea and tea constituents have been shown by different investigators to inhibit lung tumorigenesis in different animal model systems. In the tea-treated group, and in some experiments, decreased tumor incidence has also been observed. The green tea constituent, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and the black tea constituent, theaflavins, have also been shown to be effective.
---- Exp-Lung-Res. 2005 Jan-Feb; 31(1): 135-44

A naturally occurring gallated polyphenol isolated from green tea leaves, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), has been shown to be an inhibitor of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) activity in vitro at concentrations found in the serum and tissues of green tea drinkers (0.1-1.0 micromol/L). These data provide the first evidence that the prophylactic effect of green tea drinking on certain forms of cancer, suggested by epidemiologic studies, is due to the inhibition of DHFR by EGCG and could also explain why tea extracts have been traditionally used in "alternative medicine" as anti-carcinogenic/antibiotic agents or in the treatment of conditions such as psoriasis.
---- Cancer-Research. 2005 Mar 15; 65(6): 2059-64

Tea consumption is varying its status from a mere ancient beverage and a lifestyle habit, to a nutrient endowed with possible prospective neurobiological-pharmacological actions beneficial to human health. Accumulating evidence suggest that oxidative stress resulting in reactive oxygen species generation and inflammation play a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases, supporting the implementation of radical scavengers, transition metal (e.g., iron and copper) chelators, and nonvitamin natural antioxidant polyphenols in the clinic. These observations are in line with the current view that polyphenolic dietary supplementation may have an impact on cognitive deficits in individuals of advanced age. As a consequence, green tea polyphenols are now being considered as therapeutic agents in well controlled epidemiological studies, aimed to alter brain aging processes and to serve as possible neuro-protective agents in progressive neurodegenerative disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases
--- Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2004 Sept., v. 15, no. 9 p. 506-516

Among the promising bioactive food components being investigated at the National Cancer Institute in prevention clinical trials to reduce breast cancer risk are indole-3-carbinol, sulforaphanes, phytoestrogen isoflavones, perillyl alcohol, and green tea polyphenols…. selenium and vitamin E. Soy isoflavones, green tea polyphenols, and doxercalciferol also are being investigated for prostate cancer prevention.
---- J-Nutr. 2004 Dec; 134(12 Suppl): 3507S-3512S


The results presented herein are consistent with EGCG [Green Tea component] acting as a pro-oxidant, with the cancerous cells more sensitive to oxidative stress than the normal cells.
---- Basic-Clin-Pharmacol-Toxicol. 2004 Oct; 95(4): 191-200


It has been reported that tea extracts have antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidative, antitumor and antimutagenic activities. The protective effect of green tea has been assumed to be due to the powerful scavenging and antioxidative property of high concentrations of unpolymerised catechins and their gallates…possesses excellent DPPH free radical scavenging activity.
---- Mutat-Res. 2004 Nov 22; 556(1-2): 65-74


The primary target of licensed drugs for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease is the inhibition of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, although preventing beta-amyloidosis is a prime target for drugs in development. The in vitro dual anti-cholinesterase and beta-secretase activities of Camellia sinensis L. extract (tea) is reported. Green and black tea inhibited human acetylcholinesterase (AChE) with IC(50) values of 0.03 mg/mL and 0.06 mg/mL respectively, and human butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) with IC(50) values 0.05 mg/mL. Green tea at a final assay concentration of 0.03 mg/mL inhibited beta-secretase by 38%. These novel findings suggest that tea infusions contain biologically active principles, perhaps acting synergistically, that may be used to retard the progression of the disease assuming that these principles, yet to be identified, reach the brain. Copyright (c) 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
---- Phytother-Res. 2004 Aug; 18(8): 624-7


We show that administration of green tea that contains EGCG caused a reduction in the level of mRNAs for gluconeogenic enzymes, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase in the mouse liver. EGCG alone was also found to down-regulate the gene expression of these enzymes but not so curcumin or quercetin. The results of this study support the idea that green tea intake may be beneficial in the prevention of diabetes mellitus.
----- Planta-Med. 2004 Nov; 70(11): 1100-2


In cancer, a high flux of oxidants not only depletes the cellular thiols, but damages the whole cell as well. Epidemiological studies suggest green tea may mitigate cancers in human and animal models for which several mechanisms have been proposed.
---- Chem-Biol-Interact. 2004 Oct 15; 149(2-3): 81-7


OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of nutritional supplementation on optimization of reproductive health in women… a proprietary nutritional supplement containing chasteberry and green tea extracts, L-arginine, vitamins (including folate) and minerals… Nutritional supplementation may provide an attractive alternative or complement to conventional fertility therapy.
---- J-Reprod-Med. 2004 Apr; 49(4): 289-93


The genomics of atherosclerosis can arise as a result of cross-talk between the genes coding for the LDL-receptor (LDL-R), LXR-alpha, PPARs (alpha, gamma), CD36 and C-myc because these genes control lipid metabolism, cytokine production and cellular activity within the arterial wall. The effect of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) upon such genomics revealed their ability to down-regulate genes coding for PPAR-gamma, CD36, LXR-alpha, C-myc coupled with up-regulation of genes coding for LDL-R and PPAR-alpha at the transcriptional level. Based upon these results, it is proposed that GTPs have the inherent capacity to inhibit the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Copyright 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
---- Phytother-Res. 2004 Feb; 18(2): 177-9


Green tea is widely consumed in Asian countries and is becoming increasingly popular in Western countries. Epidemiologically, it has been suggested that green tea consumption prevents type 2 diabetes…. Green tea promoted glucose metabolism in healthy human volunteers at 1.5 g/body in oral glucose tolerance tests. Green tea also lowered blood glucose levels… The present study provides evidence that green tea has an anti-diabetic effect.
---- BMC-Pharmacol. 2004 Aug 26; 4(1): 18


Green tea may prevent cancer, partially by inhibiting tumor angiogenesis. Our previous studies showed that green tea extract was effective in inhibiting breast cancer and endothelial cell proliferation in vitro, and suppressed xenograft size and decreased the tumor vessel density in vivo….This study contributes to the comprehensive analysis of the molecular effects of green tea on endothelial cells, and provides insight into genes that may be important in chemoprevention.
----- International Journal of Oncology. 2004 Jul; 25(1): 193-202


Alveolar bone resorption is a characteristic feature of periodontal diseases and involves the removal of both the mineral and organic constituents of the bone matrix …These findings suggest that EGCG may prevent the alveolar bone resorption that occurs in periodontal diseases by inhibiting the expression of MMP-9 in osteoblasts and the formation of osteoclasts
--- Journal of Periodontal Research. 2004 Oct; 39(5): 300-7

Recently, considerable attention has been focused on dietary and medicinal phytochemicals that inhibit, reverse, or retard diseases caused by oxidative and inflammatory processes. Green tea polyphenols have both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties…. Green tea polyphenols reduce the severity of liver injury in association with lower concentrations of lipid peroxidation and pro-nflammatory nitric oxide-generated mediators. Green tea polyphenols can be a useful supplement in the treatment of liver disease and should be considered for liver conditions in which pro-inflammatory and oxidant stress responses are dominant.
--- Am-J-Clin-Nutr. 2004 Sep; 80(3): 742-51

Catechins and theaflavins, polyphenolic compounds derived from tea (Camellia sinensis, fam. Theaceae), have been reported to have a wide range of biological activities including prevention of tooth decay and oral cancer. The present study was undertaken to determine the usefulness of green tea leaves and black tea extract for the delivery of catechins and theaflavins to the oral cavity…. These results indicate that tea leaves can be used as a convenient, slow-release source of catechins and theaflavins and provide information for the possible use of tea in the prevention of oral cancer and dental caries.
---- Cancer-Epidemiol-Biomarkers-Prev. 2004 Jan; 13(1): 132-7

Green tea extract exhibited significantly lower total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol to HDL cholesterol ratios compared with baseline… Tea consumption has been associated with decreased cardiovascular risk… The theaflavin-enriched green tea extract we studied is an effective adjunct to a low-saturated-fat diet to reduce LDL-C in hypercholesterolemic adults and is well tolerated.
--- Archives of Internal Medicine. 2003 Jun 23; 163(12): 1448-53

Green tea has been shown to help prevent cancer in animal studies…(EGCG) is believed to be an important active ingredient in green tea responsible for this chemo-preventive activity… Several human cancer cells (esophageal squamous, colon, and prostate) were exposed to varying doses of EGCG. The results of this study show that EGCG inhibits DNA methyltransferase activity and causes CpG demethylation and reactivation of methylation-silenced genes.
--- Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2003 95: 1477-1481.

 

(FOR MORE STUDIES ON GREEN TEA)

Possible Interactions with Green Tea:

Also listed as: Camellia sinensis
 If you are currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should not drink green tea or take green tea extract without first talking to your healthcare provider:

ADENOSINE
Green tea may inhibit the actions of adenosine, a medication administered in a hospital setting for an irregular (and usually unstable) heart rhythm.

ANTIBIOTICS, BETA-LACTAM
Green tea may increase the effectiveness of beta-lactam antibiotics by reducing bacterial resistance to treatment.

BENZODIAZEPINES
Caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) has been shown to reduce the sedative effects of benzodiazepines (medications commonly used to treat anxiety, such as diazepam and lorazepam).

BETA-BLOCKERS, PROPRANOLOL AND METOPROLOL
Caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) may increase blood pressure in people taking propranolol and metoprolol (medications used to treat high blood pressure and heart disease).

BLOOD THINNING MEDICATIONS
Green tea should not be taken with warfarin, a blood-thinning medication, because the herb contains vitamin K and, thus, can render warfarin ineffective.

Similarly, green tea and aspirin should not be mixed because they both prevent platelets from clotting. Using the two together, therefore, may increase your risk of bleeding.

CHEMOTHERAPY
The combination of green tea and chemotherapy medications, specifically doxorubicin and tamoxifen, increased the effectiveness of these medications in laboratory tests. These results have not yet been demonstrated in studies of people, however.

On the other hand, there have been reports of both green and black tea extracts stimulating a gene in prostate cancer cells that may cause them to be less sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.

Given this potential interaction, black and green tea (as well as extracts of these teas) should not be taken while receiving chemotherapy for prostate cancer in particular.

CLOZAPINE
The anti-psychotic effects of the medication clozapine may be reduced if taken less than 40 minutes after drinking green tea.

EPHEDRINE
When taken together with ephedrine, green tea may cause agitation, tremors, insomnia, and weight loss.

LITHIUM
Green tea has been shown to reduce blood levels of lithium (a medication used to treat manic/depression).

MONOAMINE OXIDASE INHIBITORS (MAOIS)
Green tea may cause a severe increase in blood pressure (called a "hypertensive crisis") when taken together with MAOIs used to treat depression. Examples of MAOIs include phenelzine and tranylcypromine.

ORAL CONTRACEPTIVES
Oral contraceptives can prolong the amount of time caffeine stays in the body and may increase its stimulating effects.

PHENYLPROPANOLAMINE
A combination of caffeine (including caffeine from green tea) and phenylpropanolamine (an ingredient used in many over-the-counter and prescription cough and cold medications and weight loss products)can cause mania and a severe increase in blood pressure. The FDA issued a public health advisory in November 2000 to warn people of the risk of bleeding in the brain from use of this medication and has strongly urged all manufacturers of this drug to remove it from the market.

ADDITIONAL STUDIES ON GREEN TEA:

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG): Chemical and biomedical perspectives.
Author: Nagle,-DG; Ferreira,-D; Zhou,-YD
Citation: Phytochemistry-. 2006 Sept; 67(17): 1849-1855.

Green tea extract and its major polyphenol (-)-epigallocatechin gallate improve muscle function in a mouse model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
Author: Dorchies,-O-M; Wagner,-S; Vuadens,-O; Waldhauser,-K; Buetler,-T-M; Kucera,-P; Ruegg,-U-T
Citation: Am-J-Physiol-Cell-Physiol. 2006 Feb; 290(2): C616-25

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract ameliorates endotoxin induced sickness behavior and liver damage in rats.
Author: Singal,-A; Tirkey,-N; Pilkhwal,-S; Chopra,-K
Citation: Phytother-Res. 2006 Feb; 20(2): 125-9

Intracellular signaling network as a prime chemopreventive target of (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. Author: Na,-H-K; Surh,-Y-J

Matrix metalloproteinases in cancer metastasis: molecular targets for prostate cancer prevention by green tea polyphenols and grape seed proanthocyanidins.
 Author: Katiyar,-S-K
Citation: Endocr-Metab-Immune-Disord-Drug-Targets. 2006 Mar; 6(1): 17-24

Catechin-vanilloid synergies with potential clinical applications in cancer.
Author: Morre,-D-M; Morre,-D-J
Citation: Rejuvenation-Res. 2006 Spring; 9(1): 45-55

Natural products and the treatment of leukemia.
Author: Hamblin,-T Citation: Leuk-Res. 2006 Jun; 30(6): 649-50

Clinical effects of oral green tea extracts in four patients with low grade B-cell malignancies.
Author: Shanafelt,-T-D; Lee,-Y-K; Call,-T-G; Nowakowski,-G-S; Dingli,-D; Zent,-C-S; Kay,-N-E Citation: Leuk-Res. 2006 Jun; 30(6): 707-12

Suppression of Wnt signaling by the green tea compound (-)-epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) in invasive breast cancer cells. Requirement of the transcriptional repressor HBP1.
Author: Kim,-J; Zhang,-X; Rieger-Christ,-K-M; Summerhayes,-I-C; Wazer,-D-E; Paulson,-K-E; Yee,-A-S
Citation: J-Biol-Chem. 2006 Apr 21; 281(16): 10865-75

A new approach to managing oral manifestations of Sjogren's syndrome and skin manifestations of lupus.
Author: Hsu,-S; Dickinson,-D
Citation: J-Biochem-Mol-Biol. 2006 May 31; 39(3): 229-39

Green tea extract improves running endurance in mice by stimulating lipid utilization during exercise.
Author: Murase,-T; Haramizu,-S; Shimotoyodome,-A; Tokimitsu,-I; Hase,-T
Citation: Am-J-Physiol-Regul-Integr-Comp-Physiol. 2006 Jun; 290(6): R1550-6

Green tea extract and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibit hypoxia- and serum-induced HIF-1alpha protein accumulation and VEGF expression in human cervical carcinoma and hepatoma cells.
Author: Zhang,-Q; Tang,-X; Lu,-Q; Zhang,-Z; Rao,-J; Le,-A-D
Citation: Mol-Cancer-Ther. 2006 May; 5(5): 1227-38

Inhibition of angiotensin converting enzyme activity by flavanol-rich foods.
Author: Actis-Goretta,-L.; Ottaviani,-J.I.; Fraga,-C.G.
Citation: Journal of agricultural and food chemistry. 2006 Jan. 11, v. 54, no. 1 p. 229-234.

Specific killing of multiple myeloma cells by (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate extracted from green tea: biologic activity and therapeutic implications.
Author: Shammas,-M-A; Neri,-P; Koley,-H; Batchu,-R-B; Bertheau,-R-C; Munshi,-V; Prabhala,-R; Fulciniti,-M; Tai,-Y-T; Treon,-S-P; Goyal,-R-K; Anderson,-K-C; Munshi,-N-C
Citation: Blood. 2006 Oct 15; 108(8): 2804-10

Modulatory efficacy of green tea polyphenols on glycoconjugates and immunological markers in 4-Nitroquinoline 1-oxide-induced oral carcinogenesis-A therapeutic approach.
Author: Srinivasan,-P; Sabitha,-K-E; Shyamaladevi,-C-S
 Citation: Chem-Biol-Interact. 2006 Aug 25; 162(2): 149-56

Therapeutic effect of green tea extract on oxidative stress in aorta and heart of streptozotocin diabetic rats.
Author: Babu,-P-V; Sabitha,-K-E; Shyamaladevi,-C-S
Citation: Chem-Biol-Interact. 2006 Aug 25; 162(2): 114-20

Epigallocatechin gallate supplementation alleviates diabetes in rodents.
Author: Wolfram,-S; Raederstorff,-D; Preller,-M; Wang,-Y; Teixeira,-S-R; Riegger,-C; Weber,-P
Citation: J-Nutr. 2006 Oct; 136(10): 2512-8

Tea flavanols inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme activity and increase nitric oxide production in human endothelial cells.
Author: Persson,-I-A; Josefsson,-M; Persson,-K; Andersson,-R-G
Citation: J-Pharm-Pharmacol. 2006 Aug; 58(8): 1139-44

Green tea extract induces interleukin-8 (IL-8) mRNA and protein expression but specifically inhibits IL-8 secretion in caco-2 cells.
Author: Netsch,-M-I; Gutmann,-H; Aydogan,-C; Drewe,-J
Citation: Planta-Med. 2006 Jun; 72(8): 697-702

Effects of green tea on urinary stone formation: an in vivo and in vitro study.
Author: Jeong,-B-C; Kim,-B-S; Kim,-J-I; Kim,-H-H
Citation: J-Endourol. 2006 May; 20(5): 356-61

 

Effect of green tea consumption on endothelial function and circulating endothelial progenitor cells in chronic smokers.
Author: Kim,-W; Jeong,-M-H; Cho,-S-H; Yun,-J-H; Chae,-H-J; Ahn,-Y-K; Lee,-M-C; Cheng,-X; Kondo,-T; Murohara,-T; Kang,-J-C
Citation: Circ-J. 2006 Aug; 70(8): 1052-7

Effect of green tea on angiogenesis and severity of atherosclerosis in cholesterol-fed rabbit.
Author: Kavantzas,-N; Chatziioannou,-A; Yanni,-A-E; Tsakayannis,-D; Balafoutas,-D; Agrogiannis,-G; Perrea,-D
Citation: Vascul-Pharmacol. 2006 Jun; 44(6): 461-3

Iron-chelating and free-radical scavenging activities of microwave-processed green tea in iron overload.
Author: Srichairatanakool,-S; Ounjaijean,-S; Thephinlap,-C; Khansuwan,-U; Phisalpong,-C; Fucharoen,-S
Citation: Hemoglobin. 2006; 30(2): 311-27

Potent suppressive effect of green tea polyphenols on tobacco-induced mutagenicity.

 Author: Santhosh,-K-T; Swarnam,-J; Ramadasan,-K Citation:

Phytomedicine. 2005 Mar; 12(3): 216-20

Molecular and cellular effects of green tea on oral cells of smokers: a pilot study.
Author: Schwartz,-J-L; Baker,-V; Larios,-E; Chung,-F-L
Citation: Mol-Nutr-Food-Res. 2005 Jan; 49(1): 43-51

Protective effect of green tea on erythrocyte membrane of different age rats intoxicated with ethanol.
Author: Dobrzynska,-I; Szachowicz-Petelska,-B; Ostrowska,-J; Skrzydlewska,-E; Figaszewski,-Z
Citation: Chem-Biol-Interact. 2005 Sep 10; 156(1): 41-53

Effectiveness of green tea catechines for the correction of the alimentary obesity in the experiment.
Author: Chanadiri,-T; Sanikidze,-T; Esaishvili,-M; Chkhikvishvili,-I; Datunashvili,-I
Citation: Georgian-Med-News. 2005 Sep; (9): 61-3

Green tea polyphenol extract attenuates ischemia/reperfusion injury of the gut.
Author: Muia,-C; Mazzon,-E; Di-Paola,-R; Genovese,-T; Menegazzi,-M; Caputi,-A-P; Suzuki,-H; Cuzzocrea,-S
Citation: Naunyn-Schmiedebergs-Arch-Pharmacol. 2005 May; 371(5): 364-74
Abstract: Various studies have clearly demonstrated that green tea catechins possess potent antioxidative properties, and the preventive effects against various oxidative diseases have been reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of green tea extract on the tissue injury caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) of the gut. I/R injury of the intestine was caused by clamping both the superior mesenteric artery and the celiac trunk for 45 min followed by release of the clamp allowing reperfusion for 1 h or 4 h. This procedure results in splanchnic artery occlusion (SAO) shock. Rats subjected to SAO developed a significant fall in mean arterial blood pressure, and only 10% of the animals survived for the entire 4-h reperfusion period. Surviving animals were sacrificed for histological examination and biochemical studies. Rats subjected to SAO displayed a significant increase in tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, significant increases in plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels and marked injury to the distal ileum. Increased immunoreactivity to nitrotyrosine was observed in the ileum of rats subjected to SAO. Staining of sections of the ileum obtained from SAO rats with anti-intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM-1) antibody and with anti-P-selectin antibody resulted in diffuse staining. Administration of green tea extract (20 and 10 mg kg(-1) i.v.) 15 min prior to the onset of gut reperfusion significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner the fall in mean arterial blood pressure, the mortality rate, infiltration of the reperfused intestine with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (MPO activity), lipid peroxidation (MDA levels), production of TNF-alpha, and histological evidence of gut injury. Administration of green tea extract also markedly reduced nitrotyrosine formation and the up-regulation of ICAM-1 and P-selectin during reperfusion. In order to clarify that green tea extract might be useful in the therapy of I/R injury, we also investigated the effect of green tea extract (20 mg kg(-1) i.v.) when administered 5 min after the onset of gut reperfusion. Similar to the pretreatment approach, the post-treatment also significantly reduced the gut injury induced by I/R. These results demonstrate that green tea extract significantly reduces I/R injury of the intestine.

Impact of diet on prostate cancer: a review.
Author: Sonn,-G-A; Aronson,-W; Litwin,-M-S
Citation: Prostate-Cancer-Prostatic-Dis. 2005; 8(4): 304-10
Abstract: Epidemiological studies suggest that environmental factors may mediate the transformation of latent prostate cancer into clinically apparent tumors and that diet appears to influence this progression. Close correlations between average per capita fat intake and prostate cancer mortality internationally generated interest in underlying mechanisms for this link, such as through serum levels of androgens, free radicals, proinflammatory fatty acid metabolites, or insulin-like growth factor. Much interest currently lies in the potential of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) to play a chemopreventative role in prostate cancer. Lycopene, a potent antioxidant found in tomatoes, may exert a protective effect in the prostate. Selenium and vitamin E have also been shown to decrease the risk of prostate cancer in some men. Calcium may support vitamin D-related antiproliferative effects in prostate cancer. Certain soy proteins, common in the Asian diet, have been shown to inhibit prostate cancer cell growth. Finally, green tea may also have a chemopreventive effect by inducing apoptosis. Despite confounding factors present in clinical studies assessing the effect of diet on cancer risk, the data remain compelling that a variety of nutrients may prevent the development and progression of prostate cancer.

Modulation of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea induced mammary tumors in Sprague-Dawley rats by combination of lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid and green tea extract.
Author: Roomi,-M-W; Roomi,-N-W; Ivanov,-V; Kalinovsky,-T; Niedzwiecki,-A; Rath,-M
Citation: Breast-Cancer-Res. 2005; 7(3): R291-5
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The limited ability of current treatments to control metastasis and the proposed antitumor properties of specific nutrients prompted us to examine the effect of a specific formulation (nutrient supplement [NS]) of lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract in vivo on the development of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced mammary tumors in rats. METHODS: A single intraperitoneal dose of MNU was injected into each of 20 female Sprague-Dawley rats (aged 50 days) to induce tumors. Two weeks after MNU treatment, a time by which the animals had recovered from MNU-induced toxicity, the rats were divided into two groups. Rats in group 1 (n = 10) were fed Purina chow diet, whereas those in group 2 (n = 10) were fed the same diet supplemented with 0.5% NS. After a further 24 weeks, the rats were killed and tumors were excised and processed. RESULTS: NS reduced the incidence of MNU-induced mammary tumors and the number of tumors by 68.4%, and the tumor burden by 60.5%. The inhibitory effect of NS was also reflected by decreased tumor weight; the tumor weights per rat and per group were decreased by 41% and 78%, respectively. In addition, 30% of the control rats developed ulcerated tumors, in contrast to 10% in the nutrient supplemented rats. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that the specific formulation of lysine, proline, arginine, ascorbic acid, and green tea extract tested significantly reduces the incidence and growth of MNU-induced mammary tumors, and therefore has strong potential as a useful therapeutic regimen for inhibiting breast cancer development.

Green tea with a high catechin content suppresses inflammatory cytokine expression in the galactosamine-injured rat liver.
Author: Abe,-K; Ijiri,-M; Suzuki,-T; Taguchi,-K; Koyama,-Y; Isemura,-M
Citation: Biomed-Res. 2005 Oct; 26(5): 187-92
Abstract: Galactosamine is known to induce hepatic injury in rats and the galactosamine-induced hepatitis is believed to be similar to viral hepatitis both morphologically and functionally. In the present study, we examined how drinking green tea affects the gene expression of inflammatory cytokines which may be up-regulated in galactosamine-induced hepatitis. As has been reported, galactosamine caused hepatic injury in rats as evidenced by an increase in serum transaminase activities and histological observations of the liver. The results of the reverse transcription and polymerase chain reaction indicated an increased gene expression of inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1beta, in the injured liver and the enzyme linked immunoassay showed an increase in the serum levels of these cytokines. Oral administration of green tea rich in catechins (Healthya green tea) restored these biomarkers in the galacotsamine-treated rats to near the control levels. These results suggest that the drinking of green tea with a high catechin content may help to prevent and/or attenuate the development of a certain type of hepatitis.

Inhibitory effect of green tea extract on beta-amyloid-induced PC12 cell death by inhibition of the activation of NF-kappaB and ERK/p38 MAP kinase pathway through antioxidant mechanisms.
Author: Lee,-S-Y; Lee,-J-W; Lee,-H; Yoo,-H-S; Yun,-Y-P; Oh,-K-W; Ha,-T-Y; Hong,-J-T
Citation: Brain-Res-Mol-Brain-Res. 2005 Oct 31; 140(1-2): 45-54
Abstract: Beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) is considered responsible for the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Several lines of evidence support that Abeta-induced cytotoxicity is mediated through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Thus, agents that scavenge ROS level may usefully impede the development or progress of AD. Green tea extract has been known to have such antioxidant properties. Our previous studies demonstrate that green tea extract protected ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain cell death by scavenging oxidative damages of macromolecules. In this study, we investigated the effects of green tea extract on Abeta-induced oxidative cell death in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. PC12 cells treated with Abeta25-35 (10-50 microM) showed intracellular ROS elevation, the formation of 8-oxodG (an oxidized form of DNA), and underwent apoptotic cell death in a dose-dependent manner. Abeta(25-35) treatment upregulated pro-apoptotic p53 at the gene level, and Bax and caspase-3 at the protein level, but downregulated anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Interestingly, co-treated green tea extract (10-50 microg/ml) dose-dependently attenuated Abeta(25-35) (50 microM)-induced cell death, intracellular ROS levels, and 8-oxodG formation, in addition to p53, Bax, and caspase-3 expression, but upregulated Bcl-2. Furthermore, green tea extract prevented the Abeta(25-35)-induced activations of the NF-kappaB and ERK and p38 MAP kinase pathways. Our study suggests that green tea extract may usefully prevent or retard the development and progression of AD.

A review of antioxidants and Alzheimer's disease.
Author: Frank,-B; Gupta,-S
Citation: Ann-Clin-Psychiatry. 2005 Oct-Dec; 17(4): 269-86
Abstract: BACKGROUND: In this article, we review a diverse body of research and draw conclusions about the usefulness, or lack there-of, of specific antioxidants in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease (AD). METHODS: The National Library of Medicine's database was searched for the years 1996-2004 using the search terms "Alzheimer's, anti-oxidants, antioxidants." RESULTS: Over 300 articles were identified and 187 articles were selected for inclusion based on relevance to the topic. Agents that show promise in helping prevent AD include: 1) aged garlic extract, 2) curcumin, 3) melatonin, 4) resveratrol, 5) Ginkgo biloba extract, 6) green tea, 7) vitamin C and 8) vitami