Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that begins in the prostate, a small, walnut-shaped gland of the male reproductive system. Family history, old age and African-American ethnicity increase the risk of prostate cancer. Symptoms include slow urination, blood in urine or semen, bone pain and pain during urination. Treatment may include medications and surgery. Certain supplements and herbs such as green tea may also help manage the condition.
About Green Tea
Green tea is obtained from the leaves of the Camellia sinenesis plant, native to East Asia. Green tea is made from the unfermented leaves of the plant and contains high concentrations of catechins, polyphenols and gallogatechins. It has been used traditionally to treat a variety of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, liver disease and certain cancers. Supplements are available as tea, liquid extract and capsules. The dose and form of green tea depends on the age of the patient and the condition being treated.
Impact of Green Tea on Prostate Cancer
Increased consumption of green tea can lower the risk of prostate cancer, according to a study involving Chinese men that was published in the January 2004 issue of the "International Journal of Cancer." Another study published in the January 2001 issue of the journal "Life Sciences" states that green tea catechins can cause the programmed cell death, or apoptosis, of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory. Green tea extracts also help reduce the urinary tract symptoms associated with prostate cancer, say the researchers in a study in the January 2006 edition of the journal "Cancer Research." The University of Maryland Medical Center, however, states that although green tea can inhibit the growth of prostate cancer cells in the laboratory, it may lessen chemotherapy's effectiveness. Hence, patients undergoing chemotherapy should not drink green tea, says UMMC.
Side Effects
The caffeine present in green tea can also lead to side effects such as dizziness, irritability, insomnia and anxiety. Overdose of the caffeinated drink can also lead to nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and loss of appetite. Apart from chemotherapy drugs, green tea may also interfere with certain blood pressure and contraceptive medications.
Precautions
Always talk to a doctor before using green tea to prevent or manage prostate cancer. Inform your doctor about any preexisting conditions and other medication you might be taking. Also, the production of green tea supplements is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Hence, talk to the pharmacist to ensure the safety of the product.
References
- "International Journal of Cancer"; Protective Effect of Green Tea Against Prostate Cancer: A Case-Control Study in Southeast China; Le Jian, et al; January 2004
- "Life Sciences"; Induction of Apoptosis by Green Tea Catechins in Human Prostate Cancer DU145 Cells; L. Y. Chung, et al; January 2001
- "Cancer Research"; Chemoprevention of Human Prostate Cancer by Oral Administration of Green Tea Catechins in Volunteers With High-Grade Prostate Intraepithelial Neoplasia: A Preliminary Report From a One-Year Proof-of-Principle Study; Saverio Bettuzzi, et al; January 2006
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
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