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Green Tea Extract for Leukemia
August 31, 2009
Mayo Clinic researchers have reported positive results in leukemia-related research involving the chemical epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), an active ingredient in green tea. In the study, researchers found that lymphocyte count in study participants with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was reduced by one-third when higher doses of EGCG were administered in capsule form. According to Dr. Tait Shanafelt, hematologist and lead author of the study, the majority of study participants saw some degree of regression in their lymphocytic leukemia, with a decline in lymph node size of 50 percent or greater.
Currently there is no cure for CLL, which is the most common subtype of leukemia in the United States. About half of the patients with early stages of the disease have an aggressive fatal form. Researchers at Mayo Clinic found, however, that 76% of CLL patients stabilized in response to this regimen based on an extract of green tea. They were giving the patients Polyphenon E, which is available over the counter in 200 milligram capsules. The researchers, who tested dosages ranging from 400-2000 milligrams twice daily, found that the highest dose showed the greatest biological response.
Topics: Health News