Progression of Leukemia Slowed Down by Green Tea by Debbie Nicholson
In a recent study done by researchers at the Mayo Clinic and
which was also presented at the annual meeting of the American
Society of Clinical Oncology, has revealed that an extract in green
tea possibly can slow down the advancement of the most general type
of leukemia.
This latest study consisted of the involvement of forty-two
patients enduring early stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CCL).
CCL usually progresses at a slow rate with intervals of remission,
patients only receive treatment when the disease is actively
spreading. All of the participants in this study were not receiving
any treatments including radiation or chemotherapy.
The participants received treatment with an extract of
epigallocatechin galeate (EGCG). EGCG is an antioxidant belonging
to the Catechin family. Catechin is used to refer to the related
family of flavonoids and subgroup flavanols. EGCG had produced a
major cell decrease in leukemia cell count in greater than
two-thirds of the participants. In almost one-third of the
participants, the amount of cancerous cells in the blood had
decreased by twenty percent. In addition seventy percent of
patients who were enduring enlarged lymph nodes had showed a fifty
percent reduction in the size of the nodes.
Even though only a comparative phase three trial can actually
determine if EGCG can really delay the progression of CLL. Head
writer of the study Tate Shanafelt had stated that the benefits
they observed in most of the CLL patients who used the chemical
does advocate that there is modest clinical activity and possibly
can steady CCL, conceivably by slowing it down.
Past studies also have advocated green tea and its compounds
producing the possibilities of aiding the fight of other types of
cancers such as bladder, colon, stomach and esophagus. In more
current studies it has shown it aide in guarding against tooth
decay and help with weight loss.
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