Green tea extract protects against and may even reverse leukaemia
Added 29.03.2009
What is chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)?
According to Cancer Research UK, 7,237 people in the UK were diagnosed with leukaemia in 2006. In 2007, leukaemia claimed 4,350 lives. Many forms of leukaemia exist; CLL is the most common type with approximately 2,750 new cases a year. CLL develops gradually and usually affects people 60 years and older. This cancer affect people very differently; some may not have symptoms for years and thus not require treatment, while others may experience quick deterioration and need immediate treatment.CLL develops when bone marrow makes too many lymphocytes - a type of white blood cell that plays a role in fighting infection. The problem is that these new lymphocytes are abnormal and don't function properly and they live longer than they are supposed to. The result is that these malfunctioning lymphocytes outnumber healthy ones (white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets), which decreases the body's ability to fight infections. The abnormal lymphocytes are called leukemic or leukaemia cells. Here's the good news: this year, Mayo Clinic researchers have found a substance in green tea that is capacle of killing leukaemia cells.
Green tea extract may prevent and even reverse CLL
A recent scientific study has found an antioxidant compound in green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), may have the power to not only prevent chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, but also to reverse its progress.The Scientific Study
Background information
In this clinical trial, 33 CLL patients (asymptomatic Rai stage 0to II) were divided into groups each receiving between 400 mg and 2,000 mg of EGCG extract twice a day. Twelve patients had palpable adenopathy (swollen lymph nodes). EGCG plasma trough levels were measured one month after the start of treatment.
Results
Two symptoms of CLL decreased with EGCG treatment:
- 11 patients (33%) experienced a 20% or more decrease of absolute lymphocyte count (ALC).
- 11 of the 12 patients (92%) with palpable adenopathy underwent a 50% or greater reduction in lymph node swelling.
The link between EGCG and leukaemia cells
It has been known in scientific circles for years that green tea appears to provide protection against many forms of cancer; countries in which green tea is consumed show a lower incidence of cancer. Researchers believe ECGC, a potent antioxidant component of green tea, inhibits the communication pathway (angiogenesis) in leukaemia cells that allows them to grow and make the transition into malignant tumour cells.References:
Mayo Clinic
Leukaemia Research UK
Cancer Research UK
Kay, N.E. & all. "Phase I trial of daily oral Polyphenon E in patients with asymptomatic Rai stage 0 to II chronic lymphocytic leukaemia." Journal of Clinical Oncology. Vol. 27, no 23. pp. 3808-3814. August 10, 2009.
Mark S Meskin & al. Phytochemicals: Mechanisms of Action. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 80, No. 6, 1670, December 2004. American Society for Clinical Nutrition.
Leukaemia Research UK
Cancer Research UK
Kay, N.E. & all. "Phase I trial of daily oral Polyphenon E in patients with asymptomatic Rai stage 0 to II chronic lymphocytic leukaemia." Journal of Clinical Oncology. Vol. 27, no 23. pp. 3808-3814. August 10, 2009.
Mark S Meskin & al. Phytochemicals: Mechanisms of Action. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Vol. 80, No. 6, 1670, December 2004. American Society for Clinical Nutrition.
Dr. Bo Nielsen's comments:
Leukaemia is a serious type of cancer even though it often is not as aggressive as other forms of cancer. This study confirms previous studies that have shown that some of the components in green tea are able to prevent certain types of cancer cells from spreading. Many researchers believe that one of the mechanisms of action is the fact that EGCG is able to inhibit angiogenesis in leukaemia that allows the cells to grow and make the transition into malignant tumour cells. Angiogenesis, also called metastasis, is a necessary step for the growth and spread of cancer cells. This is yet another good reason to drink green tea or take green tea extract supplements on a daily basis.
