Green tea, which is derived from the leaves of the plant Camellia sinesis, contains active antioxidant compounds called polyphenols, which are responsible for most of its health effects. Research indicates that green tea might have anti-inflammatory properties that help lower inflammation, a condition which might be associated with heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Sunphenon
Scientists from the University Annamalai in India investigated the antioxidant power of green tea for its ability to scavenge free radicals, which damages cells and causes inflammation in the body. In the study, which was reported in the January 2011 issue of the "Journal of Food Biochemistry," researchers discovered that Sunphenon, a fraction of green tea that contains approximately 75 to 80 percent of green tea polyphenols, is a strong antioxidant that destroys free radicals that lead to inflammation.
EGCG
Green tea might act as an anti-inflammatory agent, according to scientists from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in Ohio. They discovered that the green tea polyphenol known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, reduces the expression of interleukin-8, a protein that causes inflammation in the body. Researchers stated that the higher the dose the greater it decreased the expression of interleukin-8.
Radiotherapy Patients
According to a study reported in the December 2006 issue of the journal "BMC Medicine," researchers investigated the impact of different tea extracts on patients treated for radiotherapy, which can damage skin and cause inflammation. They found that green tea extract was more effective than black tea extract for reducing pro-inflammatory agents, such as interleukin-6 and interleukin-8, in cancer patients.
Interactions
Although green tea might act as an anti-inflammatory agent, it might interact with several types of medications, including adenosine, beta-blockers and blood thinning medications. Therefore, consult your health care provider before drinking green tea or consuming green tea supplements, especially of you are pregnant or taking medications.
