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Green Tea (Camellia sinensis)DESCRIPTIONGreen and black tea are derived from the same plant. However, the method of production varies. The tea plant is an evergreen shrub or tree which originated in southern Yunnan and the Assam province of India. Camellia sinensis is now widely cultivated primarily in China, Japan, North Africa and the Middle East. The black tea that we are more familiar with as a morning or afternoon beverage has been allowed to oxidise, whereas green tea is produced by lightly steaming, then drying the fresh-cut leaf, this process keeps the polyphenols (a group of active compounds) intact. The herb green tea contains many useful compounds, several of which have an identified role in the body. Others await further investigation. HERBAL USESAccording to traditional medicine, green tea possesses stimulant, digestive, diuretic and antitoxic properties. SUGGESTED INTAKESPart of the herb used: Leaves SUPPLEMENTAL USESGreen tea has been found to protect against Atherosclerosis, is antihepatotoxic and a powerful antioxidant. Antioxidant Anti-tumour Green tea has proven effective in protecting the skin against UV damage. (3) Heart disease Anti-inflammatory SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONSGreen tea is safe from side effects. Green tea products containing caffeine may produce a stimulant effect (Anxiety, Insomnia, irritability etc.) Caffeine-free extracts are available. Pregnant and lactating women should consult with a qualified health professional before taking green tea, due to a lack of safety data at this time. Green tea is not recommended for use by children. INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONSThere are no interactions or contra-indications listed for green tea. FURTHER RESEARCHGreen Tea for Ovarian Health The polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the principal mediator of the green tea, has been known to possess antitumor effect. In this study, they examined the green tea and EGCG effects on two ovarian carcinoma cell lines. EGCG inhibited ovarian cancer cell growth and induced apoptosis. Treatment with green tea or EGCG reduced the induced cell proliferation and invasion. Tumor growth was significantly inhibited by oral administration of green tea. These results provide a novel insight into the mechanism by which EGCG, may inhibit ovarian carcinoma growth, suggesting that EGCG may be useful in preventing and treating ovarian carcinoma. Mol Cancer Ther 2006;5(6):1483-92 REFERENCES1. Cell Biophysics, 1989, 14:175-185. |  |
