Parkinson's disease is a progressive movement disorder characterized by tremor, speech problems, movement and coordination difficulties and muscle rigidity. According to MayoClinic.com, most Parkinson's symptoms occur as a result of a fall in the level of two neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine. There is no cure for Parkinson's, but medicines such as levodopa help to improve mobility and alleviate stiffness and tremor by boosting dopamine levels in the brain. Green tea might help protect brain cells and stave off the development of Parkinson's disease, although evidence is limited. Do not use green tea in place of your medicine and see a doctor before using it.
Properties and Potential Benefits
Green tea is rich in polyphenols that may have therapeutic properties. It might play a role in the treatment of a number of conditions including various forms of cancer, Crohn's disease, kidney stones and chronic fatigue syndrome. MedlinePlus notes that it may boost thinking and alertness and play a role in the prevention or treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Effectiveness
Clinical studies proving that green tea can protect against Parkinson's disease are lacking; however, findings from animal-based studies show promise. The results of a study published in the December 2007 issue of "Biological Psychiatry" show that green tea compounds might protect dopamine-producing brain cells, while other findings published in "Neurotoxicology" show that green tea compounds may protect brain cells from damage by neurotoxins, suggesting that green tea may help prevent Parkinson's symptoms.
Side Effects
Drinking up to five cups of green tea daily is likely to be safe for most adults, states MedlinePlus. However, because green tea contains caffeine, drinking more than 5 cups per day might cause caffeine-induced side effects such as headache, tremor, irritability and insomnia. Green tea might have a blood-thinning effect so drinking large quantities may increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.
Other Considerations
Green tea may not be suitable for everyone. Its use is contraindicated in a number of medical conditions such as glaucoma, osteoporosis, anxiety, diabetes and liver disease. It also interacts with a number of medicines including stimulants, antibiotics, birth control pills, anticoagulants and some cancer drugs. If you have doubts as to whether green tea is suitable for you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Parkinson's Disease
- MedlinePlus: Green Tea
- "Biological Psychiatry"; Protective Effects of Green Tea Polyphenols in the 6-OHDA Rat Model of Parkinson's Disease Through Inhibition of ROS-NO Pathway; S. Guo, et al.; December 2007
- "Neurotoxicology"; Protective Effect of the Green Tea Component, L-Theanine on Environmental Toxins-Induced Neuronal Cell Death; H.S. Cho, et al.; July 2008
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