About Herbs, Botanicals & Other Products

Scientific Name
Camellia sinensis
Top
Common Name

Chinese tea, green tea extract, green tea polyphenols, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

Top
Clinical Summary

Green tea is a common beverage consumed in Asia. In recent years, green tea and its extracts have been used to prevent and treat hyperlipidemia, hypertension, atherosclerosis and cancer. The active constituent is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which accounts for 40% of the total polyphenol content of green tea extract. Studies of chemopreventive activity of green tea indicated positive results (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (41). However, a meta analysis found no such benefits of green tea for prevention of gastric cancer (42). The FDA has concluded that green tea is unlikely to reduce the risk of cancers (6). EGCG has been shown to modulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) leading to apoptosis in leukemic cells (7)and research evaluating the effectiveness of green tea extracts to treat cancer is currently underway. Theaflavin-enriched green tea extract can be used to lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) (8).
Regular consumption of green tea may reduce the risk of hypertension (9) and positively affect mood (10), but while it may enhance glucose tolerance in healthy individuals (11) (12), it did not improve insulin sensitivity or glycemic control in overweight or obese males (10) or in individuals with type II diabetes (13). Green tea may also reduce mortality due to cardiovascular disease in both men and women (14). Topical application of green tea extracts effectively treats external genital and perianal warts (15) (16) (17). A green tea extract, sinecatechin, is an FDA approved drug.
Caffeinated green tea may cause insomnia and nausea. Use of decaffeinated products may be preferred due to lower incidence of adverse events, but data are inconsistent regarding the relative efficacy of caffeinated versus decaffeinated teas. Tannins in green tea may reduce absorption and bioavailability of codeine, atropine, and iron supplements (18). The polyphenolic constituents in green tea can negate the therapeutic effect of bortezomib, an anticancer drug (37). Patients undergoing chemotherapy should avoid consuming green tea products.

Animal studies indicate that oral consumption of green tea extract during fasting can increase the risk of toxicity (49). Human studies are warranted.

Top
Food Sources

Green tea

Top
Purported Uses
  • Cancer prevention
  • Cancer treatment
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Cognitive improvement
  • GI disorders
  • Hypertension
  • Weight loss
Top
Constituents
  • Caffeine
  • Flavonoids, theaflavin
  • Methylxanthines: Theophylline, theobromine, and theanine
  • Polyphenols: Gallic acid and catechins: gallocatechin (GC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin (EC), and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
  • Polysaccharides
  • Proanthocyanidins (tannins)
  • Vitamins: Ascorbic acid, tocopherol
  • Other: Fluoride, chlorophyll, organic acids
    (19)
Top
Mechanism of Action

The anticancer activity of green tea is thought to be related to its polyphenol content. Its chemopreventive attributes are associated with catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which is thought to induce apoptosis and tumor antiangiogenesis (20). EGCG may inhibit enzymes involved in cell replication and DNA synthesis by interfering with cell-to-cell adhesion or via inhibition of intracellular communication pathways required for cell division (21). In vitro data indicate that concentrations of 30 mcg/mL EGCG and (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC) inhibit lipoxygenase-dependent arachidonic acid metabolism by 30-75% in normal human colon mucosa and colon cancers (22). Other studies in human colon cancer cell lines suggest that EGCG inhibits topoisomerase I, but not topoisomerase II (23). EGCG also inhibits DNA replication in vitro in leukemia cancer cell lines (24). EGCG has been shown to modulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) leading to apoptosis in leukemic cells (7). Topical EGCG may be useful as chemoprevention for skin cancer, but additional research and formulation are necessary (3).

Green tea’s antioxidant activity may repair oxidative damage to cells, but its role in protection against cancer is unclear. Mechanism of action is not fully known, as the polyphenols may act synergistically with other constituents of the plant. Administration of green tea inhibits UVB light-induced carcinogenesis (25), and when given before and during carcinogen treatment, reduces the incidence and number of stomach and esophageal tumors in mice (26).

The mechanism by which green tea influences blood pressure is thought to be mediated through EGCG’s modulation of vascular constriction. EGCG induces nitric oxide (NO) production through the activation of endothelial NO synthase, resulting in vasodilation (27).

The tannins in green tea may have antibacterial properties (28) and can produce anti-diarrheal effects. Green tea is thought to confer cardiovascular protection by increasing HDL cholesterol, decreasing LDL cholesterol and triglycerides (8) (29), as well as by blocking platelet aggregation. Flavonoids present in green tea may reduce lipoprotein oxidation (30). Green tea also contains caffeine, which has stimulatory effects and is responsible for the majority of adverse effects and drug interactions. It is unknown whether removing caffeine alters green tea’s activities (25).

Top
Pharmacokinetics

Catechins from green tea are absorbed rapidly; the addition of milk does not impair bioavailability of tea catechins in green tea (31). Following ingestion of steeped green tea leaves or catechin extract, polyphenol can be measured in blood, urine, saliva, and feces (19) (26) (32) (33). This indicates that ingested polyphenols and their metabolites may provide localized tissue action in addition to indirect gastrointestinal effects.

Top
Warnings

Although the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes tea on their list of “Generally Recognized As Safe” substances, pregnant women and women who breast feed should limit their intake of green tea because of caffeine content.
Because tea can pass into breast milk, it may cause sleep disorders in nursing infants. Green tea ingestion in infants has been linked to impaired iron metabolism and microcytic anemia.
Individuals with peptic ulcers may want to avoid drinking green tea because it can stimulate the production of gastric acid. (29)

Top
Adverse Reactions
  • Reported (Oral): Nausea and GI upset, possibly due to tannin content. Insomnia, irritability, and nervousness can occur due to caffeine content.
  • Reported: Several cases of hepatitis have been associated with consumption of green tea (44) (46) (47).
  • Reported: A 40-year-old woman developed pruritic swelling and darkening of lower lip following use of green tea for several years. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing consumption of green tea (45).
  • Reported: A 38-year-old woman developed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura following green tea supplementation for weight loss (48).
Top
Herb-Drug Interactions
  • Adenosine: The caffeine content in green tea may inhibit the hemodynamic effects of adenosine (18).
  • Anticoagulants / Antiplatelets: Theoretically, consumption of large amounts of green tea (.5-1 gallon/day) may provide enough vitamin K to antagonize the effects of anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents, though this effect has not been reported in humans (29) (34).
  • Atropine: The tannin content in green tea may reduce the absorption of atropine.
  • Iron supplements: The tannin content in green tea may reduce the bioavailability of iron. Green tea should be taken either 2 hours before or 4 hours following iron administration.
  • Codeine: The tannin content in green tea may reduce the absorption of codeine (18).
  • Bortezomib: EGCG and other polyphenols in green tea can inhibit the therapeutic effect of bortezomib (Velcade®) and other boronic acid based proteasome inhibitors (37).
  • Tamoxifen: EGCG was shown to increase the oral bioavailability of tamoxifen, increasing the potential for their interactions (38).
  • Verapamil: The bioavailability of Verapamil increased significantly in the presence of EGCG, thought to be due to P-glycoprotein inhibition by EGCG (39).
  • Irinotecan: A study found EGCG to inhibit transport of irinotecan and its metabolite SN-38 into biliary elimination, resulting in their prolonged half-life which can increase toxicity (40).
  • Cytochrome P450 3A4 substrates: Green tea extract inhibits CYP 3A4 enzyme and can affect the intracellular concentration of drugs metabolized by this enzyme (43) (44).
  • UGT (Uridine 5’-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase) substrates: Green tea modulates UGT enzymes in vitro and can increase the side effects of drugs metabolized by them (51).
Top
Herb Lab Interactions

Caffeine in green tea may increase PT / PTT.

Top
Literature Summary and Critique

Pisters KM, et al. Phase I trial of oral green tea extract in adult patients with solid tumors. J Clin Oncol 2001;19:1830-8.
A phase I trial to determine the maximum-tolerated dose, toxicity, and pharmacology of oral green tea extract (GTE) administered once or three times daily to patients with refractory solid tumors. Each cohort consisted of three or more adult cancer patients with dose ranges of 0.5 to 5.05 g/m2 once daily and 1.0 to 2.2 grams/m2 three times daily with water after meals for 4 weeks, to a maximum of 6 months. Pharmacokinetic analyses were encouraged but optional. A total of 49 patients were studied. Patient characteristics: median age, 57 years (range, 27 to 77 years); 23 patients were women (47%); 21 were diagnosed with non-small-cell lung, 19 with head and neck cancer, three with mesothelioma, and six had other cancers. No major responses were noted. Mild to moderate toxicity was related to caffeine content of GTE and promptly reversed upon discontinuation. Dose-limiting toxicities included neurologic and gastrointestinal effects. The maximum-tolerated dose was 4.2 g/m2 once daily or 1.0 g/m2 three times daily (approximately 2.5 liters brewed green tea/day). Additional studies are recommended.

Tsubono Y, et al. Green tea and the risk of gastric cancer in Japan. N Engl J Med 2001;344:632-6.
A prospective population survey conducted in the Miyagi Prefecture of Japan assessing green tea intake and various health habits. A total of 26,311 resident surveys were included equaling nearly 200,000 person-years of follow-up. No association was found between consumption of green tea (range <1 to >5 cups per day) and risk of gastric cancer development. Adjustments were made for cigarette and alcohol use, age, health insurance, and other dietary intake. While results cannot be extrapolated to other populations, it appears that green tea is not related to an increase or decrease in risk of gastric cancer.

Maron D, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effect of a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Jun 23;163(12):1448-53.
In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, 240 adults were given either theaflavin-enriched green tea extract in form of 375mg capsule daily or a placebo. After 12 weeks, patients in the tea extract group have significantly less low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total cholesterol (16.4% and 11.3% lower than baseline, p<0.01) then the placebo group. The author concluded that theaflavin-enriched green tea extract can be used together other dietary approaches to reduce LDL-C.

Kuriyama S, Shimazu T, Ohmori K, et al. Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study. JAMA. 2006;296(10):1255-65.
This is a prospective study initiated in 1994 in Japan involving 40,530 adults, aged 40-79 years. The subjects did not have stroke, coronary heart disease, or cancer at baseline. They were followed for 11 years for deaths due to all causes and for seven years for cause-specific mortality. Researchers observed an inverse relationship between green tea consumption and deaths due to cardiovascular disease and other causes in both men and women. However, no such association was found for decrease in the number of deaths due to cancer.
Although the sample size of the study is large, the number of cardiovascular disease and cancer cases was small therefore, the statistical power may not be sufficient. Other limitations of the study include patients lost to follow-up and obtaining data from self-administered questionnaires that may not be accurate. Therefore, well-designed clinical trials are needed to confirm the protective effects of green tea.

Li Q, et al. Green tea consumption and lung cancer risk: the Ohsaki study. Br J Cancer. Sep 2 2008.
The Ohsaki study was a population-based cohort study of 41,440 individuals (40-79 years of age). Upon completion of a questionnaire, green tea consumption and lung cancer risk was assessed in these participants over a 7 year follow-up period. Incidence of lung cancer was no different in those who consumed green tea (¡Ý1 cup/day) and those who almost never or occasionally did (<1 cup/day). Because this study only assessed an individual’s frequency of green tea consumption at the beginning of the study, individuals who altered their green tea consumption would have been misclassified.

Stockfleth E, et al. Topical Polyphenon E in the treatment of external genital and perianal warts: a randomized controlled trial. Br J Dermatol. Jun 2008;158(6):1329-1338.
The use of Polyphenon E, a defined green tea extract, for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts was analyzed in the randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled phase III study of 503 individuals. Polyphenon E (15 or 10%) or placebo was applied topically (3 times daily) for up to 4 months after which a 12-week follow-up period assessed recurrence in those who achieved complete clearance. Adverse events were also assessed during the treatment period. Treatment with either 15% or 10% Polyphenon E resulted in complete clearance in 53% and 51% of the participants, respectively as compared to 37% in the placebo group, and 5.9% and 4.1% recurrence rates were seen in patients using 15 or 10% Polyphenon E, respectively. Most adverse events were contained within the local application site and described as mild or moderate. Although this study showed that Polyphenon E was useful and safe for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts, its safety and efficacy for intra-anal or vaginal warts must be assessed in further studies.
Top
References
  1. Hsu SD, et al. Chemoprevention of oral cancer by green tea. Gen Dent 2002;50:140-6.
  2. Pisters KM, et al. Phase I trial of oral green tea extract in adult patients with solid tumors. J Clin Oncol 2001;19:1830-8.
  3. Proniuk S, et al. Preformulation study of epigallocatechin gallate, a promising antioxidant for topical skin cancer prevention. J Pharm Sci 2002;91:111-6.
  4. Sartippour MR, et al. Green tea inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induction in human breast cancer cells. J Nutr 2002;132:2307-11.
  5. Sun CL, et al. Urinary tea polyphenols in relation to gastric and esophageal cancers: a prospective study of men in Shanghai, China. Carcinogenesis 2002;23:1497-503.
  6. Letter from FDA. Green Tea and Reduced Risk of Cancer Health Claim. June 30, 2005. Accessed December 8, 2009.
  7. Lee YK, et al. VEGF Receptor Phosphorylation Status and Apoptosis is Modulated by a Green Tea Component, Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in B cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Blood 2004;104(3):788-94.
  8. Maron DJ, et al. Cholesterol-lowering effect of a theaflavin-enriched green tea extract: a randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2003 Jun 23;163(12):1448-53.
  9. Yang YC, et al.The protective effect of habitual tea consumption on hypertension. Arch Intern Med. 2004 Jul 26;164(14):1534-40.
  10. Brown AL, Lane J, Coverly J, et al. Effects of dietary supplementation with the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate on insulin resistance and associated metabolic risk factors: randomized controlled trial. Br J Nutr. Aug 19 2008:1-9.
  11. Tsuneki H, Ishizuka M, Terasawa M, Wu JB, Sasaoka T, Kimura I. Effect of green tea on blood glucose levels and serum proteomic patterns in diabetic (db/db) mice and on glucose metabolism in healthy humans.BMC Pharmacol. Aug 26 2004;4:18.
  12. Venables MC, Hulston CJ, Cox HR, Jeukendrup AE. Green tea extract ingestion, fat oxidation, and glucose tolerance in healthy humans. Am J Clin Nutr. Mar 2008;87(3):778-784.
  13. Mackenzie T, Leary L, Brooks WB. The effect of an extract of green and black tea on glucose control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus: double-blind randomized study. Metabolism. Oct 2007;56(10):1340-1344.
  14. Kuriyama S, Shimazu T, Ohmori K, et al. Green tea consumption and mortality due to cardiovascular disease, cancer, and all causes in Japan: the Ohsaki study. JAMA. 2006;296(10):1255-65.
  15. Gross G, Meyer KG, Pres H, Thielert C, Tawfik H, Mescheder A. A randomized, double-blind, four-arm parallel-group, placebo-controlled Phase II/III study to investigate the clinical efficacy of two galenic formulations of Polyphenon E in the treatment of external genital warts.J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. Nov 2007;21(10):1404-1412.
  16. Stockfleth E, Beti H, Orasan R, et al. Topical Polyphenon E in the treatment of external genital and perianal warts: a randomized controlled trial.Br J Dermatol. Jun 2008;158(6):1329-1338.
  17. Tatti S, Swinehart JM, Thielert C, Tawfik H, Mescheder A, Beutner KR. Sinecatechins, a defined green tea extract, in the treatment of external anogenital warts: a randomized controlled trial. Obstet Gynecol. Jun 2008;111(6):1371-1379.
  18. Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions, 3rd ed. Sandy (OR): Eclectic Medical Publications; 2001.
  19. Yang CS, et al. Blood and urine levels of tea catechins after ingestion of different amounts of green tea by human volunteers. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1998;7:351-4.
  20. Tosetti F, Ferrari N, De Flora S. Angioprevention: angiogenesis is a common and key target for cancer chemopreventive agents. FASEB J 2002;16:2-14.
  21. Yang CS, et al. Prevention of carcinogenesis by tea polyphenols. Drug Metab Rev 2001;33:237-53.
  22. Hong J, et al. Effects of purified green and black tea polyphenols on cyclooxygenase- and lipoxygenase-dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid in human colon mucosa and colon tumor tissues. Biochem Pharmacol 2001;62:1175-83.
  23. Berger SJ, et al. Green tea constituent (—)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate inhibits topoisomerase I activity in human colon carcinoma cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2001;288:101-5.
  24. Smith DM, et al. Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin inhibits DNA replication and consequently induces leukemia cell apoptosis. Int J Mol Med 2001;7:645-52.
  25. Huang MT, et al. Effects of tea, decaffeinated tea, and caffeine on UVB light-induced complete carcinogenesis in SKH-1 mice: demonstration of caffeine as a biologically important constituent of tea. Cancer Res 1997;57:2623-9.
  26. Yang CS, et al. Human salivary tea catechin levels and catechin esterase activities: implications in human cancer prevention studies. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 1999;8:83-9.
  27. Lorenz M, Wessler S, Follmann E, et al. A constituent of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, activates endothelial nitric oxide synthase by a phosphatidylinositol-3-OH-kinase-, cAMP-dependent protein kinase-, and Akt-dependent pathway and leads to endothelial-dependent vasorelaxation. J Biol Chem. Feb 13 2004;279(7):6190-6195.
  28. Hamilton-Miller JM. Anti-cariogenic properties of tea (Camellia sinensis). J Med Microbiol 2001;50:299-302.
  29. LaValle JB, et al. IN: Natural Therapeutics Pocket Guide 2000-2001;452-4.
  30. Dulloo AG, et al. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr 1999;70:1040-5.
  31. van het Hof KH, et al. Bioavailability of catechins from tea: the effect of milk. Eur J Clin Nutr 1998;52:356-9.
  32. Graham HN. Green tea composition, consumption, and polyphenol chemistry. Prev Med 1992;21:334-50.
  33. He YH, Kies C. Green and black tea consumption by humans: impact on polyphenol concentrations in feces, blood, and urine. Plant Foods Hum Nutr 1994;46:221-9.
  34. Taylor JR, Wilt VM. Probable antagonism of warfarin by green tea. Ann Pharmacother 1999;33:426-8.
  35. Tsubono Y, et al. Green tea and the risk of gastric cancer in Japan. N Engl J Med 2001;344:632-6
  36. Li Q, Kakizaki M, Kuriyama S, et al. Green tea consumption and lung cancer risk: the Ohsaki study. Br J Cancer 2008 Oct 7;99(7):1179-84.
  37. Goldin EB, Lam P, Kardosh A, et al. Green tea polyphenols block the anticancer effects of bortezomib and other boronic acid based proteasome inhibitors. Blood 2009 Jun 4;113(23):5927-37.
  38. Shin SC, Choi JS. Effects of epigallocatechin gallate on the oral bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of tamoxifen and its main metabolite, 4-hydroxytamoxifen, in rats. Anticancer Drugs. 2009 Aug;20(7):584-8.
  39. Chung JH, Choi DH, Choi JS. Effects of oral epigallocatechin gallate on the oral pharmacokinetics of verapamil in rats. Biopharm Drug Dispos. 2009 Mar;30(2):90-3.
  40. Lin LC, Wang MN, Tsai TH. Food-drug interaction of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate on the pharmacokinetics of irinotecan and the metabolite SN-38. Chem Biol Interact. 2008 Aug 11;174(3):177-82.
  41. Tsao AS, Liu D, Martin J, et al. Phase II randomized, placebo-controlled trial of green tea extract in patients with high-risk oral premalignant lesions. Cancer Prev Res (Phila Pa). 2009 Nov;2(11):931-41.
  42. Myung SK, Bae WK, Oh SM, et al. Green tea consumption and risk of stomach cancer: a meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies. Int J Cancer. 2009 Feb 1;124(3):670-7.
  43. Wanwimolruk S, Wong K, Wanwimolruk P. Variable inhibitory effect of different brands of commercial herbal supplements on human cytochrome P-450 CYP3A4. Drug Metabol Drug Interact. 2009;24(1):17-35.
  44. Mazzanti G, Menniti-Ippolito F, Moro PA, et al. Hepatotoxicity from green tea: a review of the literature and two unpublished cases. Eur J Clin Pharmacol. 2009 Apr;65(4):331-41.
  45. Lee JI, Cho BK, Ock SM, Park HJ. Pigmented contact cheilitis: from green tea? Contact Dermatitis. 2010 Jan;62(1):60-1.
  46. Vanstraelen S, Rahier J, Geubel AP. Jaundice as a misadventure of a green tea (camellia sinensis) lover : a case report. Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2008 Oct-Dec;71(4):409-12.
  47. Verhelst X, Burvenich P, Van Sassenbroeck D, Gabriel C, Lootens M, Baert D. Acute hepatitis after treatment for hair loss with oral green tea extracts (Camellia Sinensis). Acta Gastroenterol Belg. 2009 Apr-Jun;72(2):262-4.
  48. Liatsos GD, Moulakakis A, Ketikoglou I, Klonari S. Possible green tea-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Am J Health Syst Pharm. 2010 Apr 1;67(7):531-4.
  49. Wu KM. Green Tea Extract Induced Lethal Toxicity in Fasted but Not in Nonfasted Dogs. Int J Toxicol. 2010 Nov 22. [Epub ahead of print]
  50. Engdal S, Nilsen OG. In vitro inhibition of CYP3A4 by herbal remedies frequently used by cancer patients. Phytother Res. 2009 Jul;23(7):906-12.
  51. Mohamed ME, Frye RF. Effects of herbal supplements on drug glucuronidation. Review of clinical, animal, and in vitro studies. Planta Med. 2011 Mar;77(4):311-21.
Top
How It Works

Bottom Line: Green tea may help to lower cholesterol. Studies of its anticancer effects are underway.

Green tea contains substances called polyphenols, which scientists think contribute to its anti-cancer activity. Laboratory studies of one polyphenol, catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), show that it may interfere with several of the processes involved in cell replication, causing tumor cell death (apoptosis). It also might slow the formation of blood vessels around tumors. Epigallocatechin (ECG), another polyphenol, stops leukemic cells from multiplying in laboratory studies. As a proven antioxidant, green tea may repair cell damage, but whether it can prevent cancer is uncertain. Tannins like those found in green tea generally have antibacterial properties. It is unknown how green tea might help protect the heart, but it reduces LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increases HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Scientists also do not know whether removing caffeine from green tea will remove its possible anti-cancer effects.

Animal studies indicate that oral consumption of green tea extract during fasting can increase the risk of toxicity. Human studies are needed.

Top
Purported Uses
  • As an antioxidant
    Studies have yielded mixed evidence.
  • To prevent and treat cancer
    Although laboratory studies show an anti-cancer effect, a few clinical trials and population surveys show mixed results. A number of studies in China have suggested that high intake of green tea may protect against cancers of the stomach and esophagus. However, FDA recently concluded that there is no credible evidence to support the effectiveness of green tea in reducing the risk of certain cancers.
  • To lower cholesterol and prevent heart disease
    One clinical trial showed that theaflavin-enriched green tea extract can be used with other dietary approaches to lower certain type of cholesterol. Other studies have generally shown that green tea has no effect lipoprotein oxidation (a contributing factor in atherosclerosis).
  • To improve mental functioning; for clear thinking
    Caffeinated green tea may stimulate the nervous system.
  • To lower high blood pressure
    There is evidence that green tea can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure.
  • To prevent tooth decay
    Laboratory studies show that green tea may prevent bacteria from attaching to teeth. This use has not been tested in clinical trials.
  • To lose weight
    One human study supports that green tea increases energy expenditure.
  • To increase water loss (as a diuretic)
    No studies support this use, although green tea contains caffeine, a diuretic.
Top
Research Evidence

Cancer treatment:
A phase I trial studied 49 patients with solid tumors who had not responded to any other treatments in order to find the optimum dose of green tea extract. Patients were given various doses of the extract for six months. None of the patients had a major positive response (such as tumor shrinkage) to the therapy. The largest dose that did not produce many caffeine-related side effects was about 2.5 liters of green tea a day. More clinical trials may be conducted with this dose.

Cancer prevention:
A population survey in China measured the amount of green tea polyphenols in 18,244 men’s urine (an indicator of how much green tea they were consuming) and kept track of which men developed cancers of the stomach or esophagus. After almost 12 years of follow-up, 190 men developed stomach cancer and 42 developed esophageal cancer. Compared to subjects who had not developed cancer, these men had slightly lower levels of ECG, a tea polyphenol, indicating that they probably drank less green tea. However, the researchers in this study only did urine measurements once, at the beginning of the study. Doing multiple measurements at different times would have been a better indicator of average long-term green tea intake.

A population survey in Japan compared green tea intake and other health habits with development of stomach cancer. After surveying 26,311 people, the researchers found no association between green tea and risk of gastric cancer. Although a population study in Japan may not reflect what might happen in other countries, it seems that drinking green tea does not prevent stomach cancer.

The FDA has recently issued a letter according to which there is no credible evidence to support the claims that green tea reduces the risk of certain cancers. The letter also states that it is ‘highly unlikely’ that green tea can reduce the risk of breast and prostate cancers.

Cholesterol-Lowering Effect:
240 adults were given either theaflavin-enriched green tea extract or a placebo in a clinical trial. After 12 weeks, patients in the tea extract group have significantly lower low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) then the placebo group. Theaflavin-enriched green tea extract can be used together other dietary approaches to reduce LDL-C.

Prevention of High Blood Pressure:
In one study, the effect of tea drinking is examined in 1507 subjects. Consumption of around 1 to 3 cup of green tea a day for 1 year can reduce the risk of high blood pressure by 46%. Risk is further reduced if the consumption is increased to more than 3 cups a day.

Top
Patient Warnings
  • Do not feed green tea to infants (it may interfere with iron metabolism and cause anemia).
  • This product is regulated by the FDA as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Top
Do Not Take If
  • You are pregnant or breast-feeding (Caffeine passes into breast milk and may cause insomnia in the infant).
  • You have a peptic ulcer (Green tea stimulates the production of gastric acid).
  • You are taking adenosine (Caffeine may lessen its effects).
  • You are taking atropine (Green tea may reduce its absorption from the gut and therefore lessen its effects).
  • You are taking Cardec DM® (Green tea may reduce its absorption from the gut and therefore lessen its effects).
  • You are taking codeine (Green tea may reduce its absorption from the gut and therefore lessen its effects).
  • You take warfarin or other blood thinners (In theory, very large amounts of green tea, one half to one gallon/day, might lessen the effect of these drugs).
  • You are using bortezomib (Velcade®) (Polyphenols in green tea can inhibit the effect of this drug).
  • You are taking drugs that are substrates of Cytochrome P450 3A4 (green tea may increase the risk of side effects of these drugs).
  • You are taking drugs that are substrates of UGT (Uridine 5’-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase) enzymes (green tea may increase the risk of side effects of these drugs).
Top
Side Effects
  • Nausea
  • Stomach upset
  • The caffeine in green tea can cause insomnia, nervousness, or irritability.
  • Liver toxicity has been associated with green tea.
  • Reported: A 40-year-old woman developed pruritic swelling and darkening of lower lip following use of green tea for several years. Symptoms resolved after discontinuing consumption of green tea.
  • Reported: A 38-year-old woman developed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura following green tea supplementation for weight loss.
Top
Special Point
  • Green tea can reduce the absorption of iron from the gut. If you take iron supplements, green tea should be taken either two hours before or four hours after taking an iron supplement.
Top
Dosage (Inside MSKCC Only)
This field is only visible to only Inside MSKCC users.
Top
Aliases
EGCG
Top
E-mail your questions and comments to aboutherbs@mskcc.org.
Last updated: June 15, 2011