Green Tea Boosts Production of Detoxification Enzymes

Posted December 16, 2008 by Acupuncture & Massage College

Green tea catechins dramatically boost production of a group of key detoxification enzymes in people with low levels of these beneficial proteins, according to researchers at Arizona Cancer Center.
These findings, published in a recent issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, suggest that a green tea concentrate might help some people strengthen their metabolic defense against toxins capable of causing cancer.

In a study of 42 people, the green tea catechin concentrate, in amounts equal to that found in 8-16 cups of green tea, boosted production of glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymes by as much as 80 percent in some participants.

GST enzymes are believed to be crucial to the body's defense against cancer-causing chemicals and other toxins, according to the study's lead investigator, H.-H. Sherry Chow, Ph.D., a research associate professor at the University of Arizona. They modify the cancer-causing molecules that would otherwise damage cellular DNA.

"They actually convert known carcinogens to non-toxic chemicals, and studies have shown a correlation between deficient expression of these enzymes and increased risk of developing some cancers," Chow said.
"Expression of this enzyme varies dramatically in people due to genetic variation and environmental factors," Chow added. "Green tea catechins somehow increase gene expression of these enzymes, which can be an advantage to people with low levels to start with."
Populations in which green tea is often consumed, such as the Chinese and Japanese, generally have lower rates of cancer.

To find out if green tea can protect against cancer, the NCI has sponsored a number of rigorous scientific studies testing capsules of the extract, Polyphenon E, that have been prepared in Japan to meet exact specifications. These pills contain epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin known for its potent antioxidant activity, and are currently being tested against a variety of cancers in clinical trials.

This study was designed to see if green tea catechin concentrate had any effect on the levels of GST enzymes in healthy individuals, resulting in research that could explain the tea's anti-cancer properties.
Researchers found that use of Polyphenon E enhanced GST activity. But it had its most significant effect in volunteers whose baseline blood measurements showed low GST activity - an 80 percent increase compared to baseline GST activity. "This is the first clinical study to show proof that green tea catechins can increase detoxification enzymes," Chow said.

For more information about Acupuncture & Massage College’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs call Joe Calareso, Admissions Director, at (305) 595-9500.

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