Green tea is made from the Camellia sinesis plant and undergoes minimal processing, resulting in a substance with a high amount of potent antioxidants called polyphenols. Although green tea is associated with several benefits, animal studies suggest that it may inhibit testosterone production in the body. However, research on humans needs to be performed.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone associated with maleness, but is also found in smaller amounts in women. The brain releases a luteinizing hormone, which travels to the testes and stimulates testosterone production. Testosterone is involved in muscle development and maintenance, bone health and libido. It also helps reduce body fat and increase sperm production, according to MayoClinic.com. After the age of 30, testosterone levels start to drop slowly.
Aromatase
Scientists at the University of Porto in Portugal investigated the effects of chronic green tea consumption on body mass and the activity of aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. Higher levels of aromatase indicate higher levels of estrogen and lower levels of testosterone. Researchers observed that rats consuming a green tea beverage daily for six months had higher levels of aromatase than rats who had a control beverage. The findings were published in the November 2008 issue of "The Journal of Nutrition."
Polyphenpls
Polyphenols found in green tea might be responsible for its ability to inhibit testosterone production in the body, according to a study reported in the May 2009 issue of the "Asian Journal of Andrology." Researchers at the Federal University of Pernambuco in Brazil discovered that green tea polyphenols, especially EGCG, inhibit a signaling process that eventually leads to testosterone production in the body.
Interactions
Although animal research suggests that green tea consumption inhibits testosterone production in the body, human trials need to be conducted. If you plan to consume green tea in beverage or extract form, keep in mind that it may interfere with certain medications, including blood-thinning medications and antibiotics, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before taking green tea.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Testosterone Therapy: Key to Male Vitality?; April 2010
- "The Journal of Nutrition"; Chronic Green Tea Consumption Decreases Body Mass, Induces Aromatase Expression, and Changes Proliferation and Apoptosis in Adult Male Rat Adipose Tissue; R. Monteiro, et al.; November 2008
- "Asian Journal of Andrology"; Green Tea Polyphenols Inhibit Testosterone Production in Rat Leydig Cells; M.S. Figueiroa, et al.; May 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Green Tea
