Green tea contains the herbal active ingredient epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), which has significant anti-inflammatory properties and can apparently also help relieve chronic inflammatory bowel disease.
Based on a systematic evaluation of the available preclinical study, a Chinese research team examined the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate against inflammatory bowel disease and identified possible underlying mechanisms. The results are published in the specialist journal “Phytomedicine”.
Health benefits of green tea
Green tea is said to have numerous positive health effects, ranging from positive effects on the intestinal flora to a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease and even an anti-cancer effect.
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One of the main active ingredients in green tea is EGCG, which is also thought to have significant anti-inflammatory properties and potential pharmacological effects in inflammatory bowel disease, the team explains.
However, the evidence for the use of EGCG for the treatment of chronic inflammatory bowel disease is so far insufficient.
Effects of EGCG examined
Based on a comprehensive evaluation of the available preclinical studies, the researchers now tried to evaluate the effect of the polyphenol from green tea. For this purpose, a meta-analysis of 19 animal studies was carried out.
The focus was on the effects on the pathology of inflammatory bowel disease as well as on indicators of inflammation and oxidative stress. In addition, the dose-response relationship was evaluated and an attempt was made to determine the optimal dosage for the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease.
Alleviation of the course of the disease
The results suggest that EGCG alleviates inflammatory bowel disease by reducing indicators of inflammatory and oxidative stress, the research team reports.
Among other things, significant improvements in the so-called Disease Activity Index, the Colitis Macroscopic Damage Index and the histological findings were observed. The researchers also observed a decrease in numerous important markers for inflammation and oxidative stress.
What is the optimal dose?
The oral administration of EGCG has shown superior effectiveness compared to other methods of administration and, according to the researchers, the results of the dose-response analysis showed that the optimal dosage range is between 32 and 62 milligrams of EGCG per kilogram of body weight per day – with an intervention duration of 4. 8 to 13.6 days.
Overall, the active ingredient from green tea in the dosages mentioned could have an extremely positive effect on chronic inflammatory bowel diseases, according to the research team’s conclusion. (fp)
