Uterine cancer usually starts in the cells that line the uterus and is also sometimes referred to as endometrial cancer. There are two forms of uterine cancer - Type 1 and Type 2, according to the U.K. National Health Services's website, NHS Choices. Type 1 is a slow growing cancer and is connected with the female hormone, estrogen; it is the most common form. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Green tea may play a role in the treatment of uterine cancer, although evidence to prove it is effective is limited. Don't use it in place of medical treatments.
Properties and Potential Benefits
A common beverage in many parts of the world, green tea is made by steaming the leaves of Camellia sinensis plant. Although primarily consumed as a thirst-quenching beverage, it may also have medicinal effects and may play a role in the treatment of a number of ailments, including atherosclerosis and hypertension. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it may also play a role in the prevention and treatment of various forms of cancer. It contains several active compounds, but one in particular, known as epigallocatechin gallate, may confer this herb's medicinal benefits.
Efficacy
Few clinical studies have evaluated green tea's effectiveness as a treatment for uterine cancer. However, findings published in the September 2010 issue of "Cancer Causes and Control" suggest that green tea consumption may reduce the risk of uterine cancer. The results of an animal-based study published in the March 2010 issue of the "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology" also found that green tea compound, epigallocatechin gallate, may inhibit the growth of cancerous uterine cells.
Side Effects
MedlinePlus notes that green tea is likely safe for most people, but it adds that due to its caffeine content, drinking more than five cups per day may cause side effects including headache, sleep problems, nausea, restlessness and tremors. It may also inhibit the body's ability to absorb iron from dietary sources, and may increase the risk of bleeding.
Contraindications
Green tea is contraindicated in several conditions, including bleeding disorders, anxiety, heart conditions and osteoporosis. Also, avoid this herb if you have diabetes or liver disease. It may interact with other drugs you may be taking, including anticoagulants and stimulants. MedlinePlus states that it may make the anti-cancer drug, bortezomib, ineffective, so don't take green tea if you are undergoing treatment with this drug.
References
- NHS Choices: Uterine (Uterus) Cancer
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Green Tea
- "Cancer Causes and Control"; Coffee and Tea Consumption and Endometrial Cancer Risk in a Population-Based Study in New Jersey; E.V. Bandera et al.; September 2010
- "American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology"; Green Tea Extract Inhibits Proliferation of Uterine Leiomyoma Cells in Vitro and in Nude Mice; D. Zhang et al.; March 2010
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
