Green Tea May Aid In the Prevention Of Liver Disease

Category: Conditions of the Circulatory System

Green tea contains polyphenol antioxidants, which have been shown to lower cholesterol, prevent cancer, and improve fat metabolism. Current research reports that the polyphenols in green tea may also reduce the risk of liver disease and damage.

The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2004, vol 80, issue 3), found that green tea polyphenols reduced the severity of liver injury and inflammatory liver conditions. Researchers at the University of Hong Kong administered epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), the major polyphenol in green tea, to mice treated with the liver-damaging chemical carbon tetrachloride. Carbon tetrachloride caused an intense degree of liver damage in the mice, along with increases in lipid peroxidation, inducible nitric oxide synthase messenger RNA and protein, nitrotyrosine, and nitric oxide radicals. Two different doses of EGCG, 50 and 75mg/kg, were administered to the carbon tetracholoride-treated mice. A saline and olive oil dose was given to control mice. After each dose, scientists measured liver histopathology, lipid peroxidation, messenger RNA and protein concentrations of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nitric oxide–generated radicals.

At the end of the study, researchers found that green tea supplementation produced a dose-dependent reduction in liver injury in the carbon tetracholoride-treated mice. Green tea supplementation also lowered concentrations of lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammatory nitric oxide.

The study authors conclude, "green tea polyphenols can be a useful supplement in the treatment of liver disease and should be considered for liver conditions in which proinflammatory and oxidant stress responses are dominant. Because green tea can be consumed over long periods of time without any obviously known side effects, its possible role as an adjunct therapeutic agent in human inflammatory liver disease deserves consideration."

This is hopeful news for the millions of people worldwide who suffer from liver disease.

Posted by Kristopher Foster on December 3, 2008 10:00 AM