A Cup of Tea
For many years, green tea has been associated with positive health benefits. In a recent study by researchers at Purdue University, the nature of these benefits was codified. The researchers found that epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), a compound found in the tea, inhibited the growth of cancer cells. The compound also killed cancer cells without causing harm to healthy tissue. This is one of the first studies to provide a direct link between epigallocatechin gallate and cancer inhibition.
Green tea leaves are potent in EGCg. The study suggests that consumption of four to five cups of green tea may slow cancer. Previous studies have found a lower incidence of cancer in those who consume this amount of green tea but the exact compound that produced this cancer inhibition was unknown.All tea comes from the same botanical source. Unlike other types of tea, green tea is processed differently. In green tea, the leaves are not allowed to oxidize but instead are steamed. This process allows the natural ingredients in the leaves to be preserved. Other types of tea were not nearly as successful as green tea in inhibiting the cancerous cells. Green tea was approximately ten times more potent than the other types.
Quinol oxidase or NOX is the enzyme that is inhibited by EGCg. NOX is present in cancer cells and is required for growth in cancer cells as well as normal cells. Under normal conditions, cells only express NOX due to hormonal stimulation. Cancerous cells, however, express NOX all of the time. The researchers found that, at certain levels, EGCg inhibited NOX on cancerous cells and not on normal cells. By limiting the growth and development of the cancerous cells, the cells did not grow to the required minimum size to divide and cell apoptosis occurred.
The scientists want to expand on these studies and determine the exact mechanism of NOX inhibition. At this point, the scientists are beginning to understand the initial inhibitive effects of EGCg but further research is warranted to pin down the exact mechanisms.
What do you think? Might other types of compounds display similar benefits?
How much of a role does diet and exercise play in stopping cancer as opposed to genetic predisposition? Come on over to the Biology Forum and share your thoughts, opinions, and feelings. 'Til next time...
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