Green Tea
Camellia sinensis
“The caffeine in the drug has a centrally stimulating and antidepressive effect (adenosine antagonism). Adenosine antagonism leads to dilation of the renal vessels with a consecutive increase of the rate of filtration (diuresis). Caffeine is positively inotropic, promotes the secretion of gastric juices, glycolysis and lipolysis. In animal tests, bradykinin and prostaglandin antagonism caused a capillary sealing and anti-inflammatory effect.”
- PDR for Herbal Medicines, 2nd edition
“Green tea and green tea polyphenols have been shown to demonstrate chemopreventive and anticancer effects in a number of animal tumor models. The polyphenols were found to scavenge hydrogen peroxide and superoxide anions and reduce oxygen free radical damage. In addition, they increase antioxidant activity and phase II enzymes in mouse skin, liver, lungs, and small bowel. Green tea polyphenols and particularly EGCG were more potent scavengers of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon free radicals (carcinogens) than the widely used food antioxidant BHT. Although epidemiological studies and clinical trials indicate a potential benefit of green tea consumption in the prevention of cancer, a direct cause-and-effect relationship has not been proved through clinical trials in humans. Because of the lack of side effects and even through the chemopreventive action of green tea still must be determined, the use of green tea or green tea extract at dosages normally consumed by humans may have beneficial effects. The chemopreventive daily dose of green tea has not been established.”
- Herbs of Choice
