Green Tea Hoa Tran, Student pharmacist Spring 2022 Scientific Name: Camellia Sinenesis Scientific Family: Theaceae Common names: Green tea; Green tea extract; Tea
Common Use Use: Green tea has beneficial effects on some heart disease risk factors, including blood pressure and cholesterol. It also plays a role in metabolic syndrome because it could impact body weight, glucose homeostasis, and other cardiovascular risk factors. Some studies show green tea can prevent cancer, stroke, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Topical as well as oral formulations could protect skin from ultraviolet (UV) damage.1,2
Dosing Daily intake of three to five cups/day (720 to 1,200 mL) of green tea will produce at least 180 mg of catechins and at least 60 mg of theanine. Should not take green tea extract on an empty stomach due to hepatotoxicity from excessive levels of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG).
Effectiveness FDA Approved Indications: approved sinecatechins (Veregen) topical ointment that includes extracted components of green tea leaves and is used for the treatment of genital warts.1
Background history The origin of green tea began in China. Chinese Emperor Shennong accidently drank water with dead tea leaf and found that the flavor refreshing.
Mechanism of Action The anti-tumor mechanism of green tea appears to include the induction of apoptosis by EGCG through production of H2O2, inhibition of cell-cycle progression, inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), activation of the mitogen0activated protein kinase cascade, and binding to a 67 kDa laminin receptor.
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