The Anticancer Potential Of Green Tea Extract

Researchers at Louisiana State University have shown that green tea polyphenols may have a role in reducing levels of substances in the body associated with the progression of prostate cancer, according to results of a small study involving 26 men prostate cancer.

This is great news for the vast majority of men fighting against prostate cancer. The National Cancer Institute estimates that 192,280 new cases of prostate cancer in the United States this year and 27,360 deaths from this disease.

The Prostate Cancer Foundation explained: “Prostate carcinoma is the most common cancer in the United States which doesn’t come from the skin, and affects one in six men. The older you are, the greater the chances of being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Although only one in 10,000 men under age 40 will be diagnosed, the rate rises to one in 38 men between 40 and 59 years and one in 15 men between 60 and 69 years. In fact, over 65% of all prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over 65 years.

Concentrated Green Tea Extract – Anticancer Properties

Concentrated extract consumed per day for an average duration of 34 days was associated with a decrease in hepatocyte growth factor (HGF​​), the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and prostate specific antigen (PSA), as the results of study by Louisiana State University (LSU).

A new study, published online in the research on the prevention of the journal Cancer, describes the effects of green tea extract containing 800 mg EGCG (epigallocatechin-3-gallate) and small amounts of epicatechin, epigallocatechin and epicatechin-3-gallate. The total consumption of polyphenols in tea approximate 1.3 grams.

Researchers at Louisiana State University (LSU) recruited 26 men between 41 and 72 years. All men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and have been on the calendar for radical prostatectomy.

Men consume 4 capsules of green tea extract per day, the equivalent of 12 cups of green tea until the day before surgery. The average duration of supplementation was 34.5 days.

The results showed significant reduction in the levels of HGF, VEGF and serum PSA after treatment, some patients and scientists have realized a reduction in the highest levels of 30%.

"Our results show a decrease in serum PSA, HGF and VEGF in men with prostate cancer after brief treatment with EGCG, without an increase in liver enzymes made​​," the researchers said .

"There are plenty of good evidence that many cancers are preventable, and our studies with plant substances support the idea that plant compounds found in a healthy diet may have a role in preventing cancer development and progression, "says the head of the scientific team that conducted the review.