General Information
Common Name:
Green Tea Extract
Latin Name:
Camellia Sinensis
Family:
Theceae
Other Names:
Tea
Indications & Historical Uses
Green tea extract is a bioflavonoid-rich potent extract which is a powerful free-radical antagonist and anti-oxidant. It is used primarily for its antioxidant & free-radical fighting properties. Thus it is used for prevention of atherosclerotic disease, and reducing blood pressure by its suppression of angiotensin I converting enzyme. It also reduces platelet aggregation, and these properties are applied in preventing atherosclerosis, and thereby preventing heart disease and stroke. It also combats mental fatigue, and may lower the risk of esophageal, stomach, colon and skin cancer.
Contraindications & Precautions
Should not be used in large quantities during pregnancy and while nursing. Persons with anxiety disorders, irregular heartbeat should limit their intake of Green Tea.
Adverse Side Effects/Drug Interactions:
None known at present. See Caution.
Dosage Information
Dosage:
250 mg to 500 mg of EGCG content daily.
Pharmacology
The polyphenols in green tea are catechins, with multiple linked ring-like structures. The dominant polyphenol is EGCG( Epigallocatechin Gallate), a potent antioxidant, and anti infective. EGCG is over 200 times more effective than Vitamin E in neutralizing pro-oxidants and free radicals that attack brain lipids, in vivo. EGCG is suppressive for Angiotension I converting enzyme, which is a key factor in essential hypertension. EGCG also reduces platelet aggregation, inhibits pathogenic bacteria and finally may be effective in prevention of dental caries by blocking the attachment of caries-causing bacteria to the teeth and gum tissue.
Active Ingredients:
Catechins, especially (-) Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) a potent antioxidant
Origin
Semi-tropical shrub native to China, Japan, South East Asia. About 20%of the World,s tea market consists of Green Tea.
Processing
Extraction with hydromethanolic or hydroacetonic solution.
Scientific References
Chem. Pharm. Bull., vol. 38,pg. 1049, 1990.
Tohoku J. Exp. Med., vol. 166, pg. 475, 1992.
Carcinogenesis, vol. 13, pp. 947 & 1491, 1992.
Cancer Res., vol. 52, pp. 1162, 1943, 3875, 4050, 6657 & 6890, 1992.
Cancer Lett., vol. 65, pg. 51, 1992.
Muramatsu, K., Fukuyo, M., & Hara, Y., Effect of green Tea Catechin on Plasma Cholesterol Level in Cholesterol-Fed Rats, J. Nutr.Sci. Vitaminol., vol. 32, pp. 613-622, 1986.
Sagasaka-Mitane, Y., Miwa, M., & Okada, S., Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors in Hot Water Extract of Green Tea, Chem. Pharm. Bull., vol.38(3), pp. 789-793, 1990.
Horiba, N., et al., A Pilot Study of Japanese Green Tea as a Medicament: Antibacterial and Bactericidal Effects, Journal of Endodontic, vol, 17 (3), pp. 122-124, 1991.
Hattori, M., et al., Chem. Pharm. Bull., vol. 38, pg. 717, 1990.
Back To Index
Posted by RxMed