Green Tea
Jan 2, 2025
Green Tea
Other names: Camellia sinensis.
Mechanism of action:
Ohishi et al. state that green tea's main component epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, is a major reason for the anti-inflammatory benefits of green tea. EGCG works as an antioxidant and also suppresses expression of inflammatory cytokines and enzymes. Some of the anti-inflammatory benefits of green tea are likely a benefit of their polyphenol content [11]. One type of polyphenol are flavonoids which are discussed in depth earlier in this chapter. In short, flavonoids have a variety of mechanisms of action which may contribute to their anti-inflammatory properties including acting as antioxidants via COX-2 inhibition and inhibiting acetylcholinesterase.
Common indications/uses:
People drink variations of green tea world-wide for cultural, recreational, and medicinal reasons.
Dosing:
The composition of green tea varieties has been studied many times and varies depending on the growing conditions and processing of the leaves. For example, Japanese Matcha tea may typically contain about 6.5% polyphenols by weight.
Adverse reactions:
Adverse reactions to green tea are more likely when it is used in concentrated forms such as green tea extract. For example, a case report by Molinari et al. [12] reported acute liver failure resulting in liver transplant following the use of green tea extract at 720 mg/day for 6 months.
Drug interactions:
Green tea may interact with some common medications including statins, folic acid, and lisinopril.
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