A chemical compound called Polyphenon E, found in green tea appears to slow the progression of prostate cancer, a study suggests. Green tea has been linked to a positive effect on a wide range of conditions, including heart disease, cancer and Alzheimer’s disease.
The research, in the US journal Cancer Prevention Research, found a significant fall in certain markers which indicate cancer development. The study involved 26 men, aged 41 to 72 years, who had been diagnosed with prostate cancer and who were scheduled for radical prostate surgery.
Those who took four capsules containing Polyphenon E for an average of 34 days, up until the day before surgery – the equivalent of around 12 cups of normally brewed concentrated green tea.
The study found a significant reduction in levels of HGF (epatocyte growth factor), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor ) and PSA, with some patients demonstrating reductions of more than 30%.
There were only a few reported side effects associated with this study, and liver function remained normal.
[Source]
Chapter: Cancer :: 18 August 2009
