Pancreatic cancer affects the leaf-shaped gland found in the abdomen responsible for producing enzymes that aid digestion and the production of the hormone, insulin. According to the U.K. National Health Service's patient information website, NHS Choices, it is a very serious form of cancer that is often symptom-free in the early stages and is difficult to treat. However, surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy, or a combination of the three, may be employed. Herbs, including green tea, may help support conventional cancer treatments, but should not be used in place of them. Get medical advice before adding herbs to your treatment plan.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Green tea is a popular beverage prized for its therapeutic effects. Made by steaming the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is sometimes used as a complementary medicine for a broad range of conditions including Parkinson's disease, Crohn's disease, kidney stones and numerous forms of cancer. Green tea contains a number of active compounds, although chemicals known as polyphenols are likely responsible for many of green tea's benefits, according to MedlinePlus. Consult with your physician before using green tea in treating any condition.
Effectiveness
Conclusive evidence to show that green tea is an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer is lacking, although some study findings are encouraging. The results of an early animal-based study published in the October 1997 issue of "Pancreas" show that green tea extract may inhibit the progression of pancreatic cancer. More recent research findings, published in the April 2011 issue of "Cancer Science," confirm that green tea compounds suppress the growth of pancreatic tumor cells. However, this study was carried out in the laboratory, not in humans.
Administration
Green tea, as the name suggests, is usually taken as a beverage. However, its active ingredients are also available in capsule or tablet form. Guidance regarding a suitable amount for the prevention or treatment of pancreatic cancer is lacking, but your doctor may be able to advise you.
Safety Considerations
Drinking up to five cups of green tea is likely safe for most adults, according to MedlinePlus. However, due to its caffeine content, drinking more than this may cause numerous side effects including tremor, restlessness, insomnia, nausea and headache. Green tea is not suitable for everyone. Its use is contraindicated in several conditions including bleeding disorders, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Bear in mind that it might interact with other medicines you may be taking including the cancer drug, bortezomib.
References
- NHS Choices: Pancreatic Cancer
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
- "Pancreas"; Inhibitory Effect of Green Tea Extract on the Process of Pancreatic Carcinogenesis Induced by N-Nitrosobis-(2-Oxypropyl)amine (BOP) ... Cancer in Syrian Hamsters; A. Hiura, et al.; October 1997
- "Cancer Science"; Epicatechin Gallate and Catechin Gallate Are Superior to Epigallocatechin Gallate in Growth Suppression and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Pancreatic Tumor Cells; C. Kurbitz, et al.; April 2011
