Clues to the functions of epigallocatechin gallate are provided by the following study results.
Scientific studies
Antibacterial properties. In a randomized clinical trial, 36 patients who had MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) in the respiratory tract nasally inhaled a solution of tea catechins (3.7 g/L, 43% epigallocatechin gallate) in a physiological saline solution three times daily for seven days using a nebulizer. Compared with the control group of 33 subjects who inhaled only a physiological saline solution, the reduction rate of pathogens was significantly higher in the catechin group, 47%, than in the control group, 15%. No side effects were observed with the therapy. According to the study, catechin inhalations show a growth inhibitory effect on MRSA. Protection against prostate cancer. Also in a randomized clinical trial, 60 patients with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia of the prostate – HG-PIN, precursor to prostate cancer – were given either a capsule containing 200 mg of green tea catechins three times daily (a total of 600 mg per day, consisting of 52% epigallocatechin gallate) or a placebo. After one year, only one prostate carcinoma was detected in the 30 men treated with green tea catechins, while nine tumors occurred in the placebo-treated men. Protection against mammary carcinoma (breast cancer). Numerous experimental studies in cell cultures and animal studies showed that epigallocatechin gallate can inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells. According to a meta-analysis, drinking five or more cups of green tea per day may reduce the risk of developing breast cancer. However, it is emphasized that few studies have been conducted on this topic. New approaches for multiple sclerosis (MS) and Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists led by Professor Frauke Zipp of the Institute of Neuroimmunology at the Charité in Berlin found that epigallocatechin gallate can both curb a misguided immune system and protect nerve cells from harmful influences of the immune system in autoimmune encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain (encephalitis) and spinal cord (myelitis). They tested the compound’s efficacy in animal experiments and in cell cultures. Doug Shytle, Jun Tan and colleagues were able to demonstrate in experimental animals that epigallocatechin gallate is able to curb the production of beta-amyloid peptides, which are considered to be mainly responsible for the development of the symptoms typical of Alzheimer’s disease. These peptides lead to the formation of plaques (deposits) in the brain. The scientists had injected mice suffering from a similar disease with pure epigallocatechin gallate every day for several months – and found a 54 percent reduction in plaques during this period. Randomized clinical trials indicate that epigallocatechin gallate also has the following effects:
- Protective effect on HPV (human papilloma virus) these are involved in the development of malignant neoplasms (malignant neoplasms/cancer), especially cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix) and head and neck tumors, among others.
- Reduction of DNA damage, stimulation of immune function – activation of natural killer cells (NK cells) and lymphocytes.
From these study results, it appears that epigallocatechin gallate is one of the most promising health-promoting substances.
