Can green tea prevent or fight cancer?

Studies conducted by the University of Murcia in Spain and the John Innes Center in Norwich, England have discovered that green tea can prevent cancer cells from growing. Green tea contains a compound called EGCG. The EGCG stops cancer cells from growing by binding with an enzyme, called dihydrofolate reductase, in the body. Scientists have also found that the structure of EGCG is very similar to to a cancer drug called methotrexate. They discovered that EGCG kills cancer cells in the same way that the cancer drug does. These findings have promoted studies about EGCG based cancer treatment. This would mean less side effects, as ECGC does not aggressively attack healthy cells.

The bottom line is that studies are inconclusive and more research needs to be done.

More research is being consucted on the effects of green tea properties and cancer.

Created on 11/25/05
Source- 1.The Food and Drug Administration. Press Release by FDA, June 30, 2005
2. The Mayo Clinic. Drugs and Supplements Natural Standard® Patient Monograph, Copyright © 2005