Can Green and Black Tea Fight Some Tumors?

(8-OHdG) in vitro.

These samples were extracted via serial chloroform, ethyl acetate, and n-butanol. The
extracts were then divided into four subfractions. Upon their division, they were
designated as GT1-4 for green tea and BT1-4 for black tea. The team then monitored
their affect on various controlled tumor growths.

The study's results showed that both green and black tea exhibited a very strong
scavenging capacity of exogenous H2O2 in a dose-dependent manner. Black tea
appeared to scavenge H202 in a more effective manner than green tea. Specifically,
when tested individually, the results for green tea's potency as a scavenging agent for
H202 were as follows: GT2 > GT3 > GT1 > GT4. The order for the potency as a
scavenging agent for black tea was: BT2 > BT3 > BT4 > BT1.

The study also showed that the total fractions of green and black teas possessed the
ability to dramatically inhibit the induction of 8-OHdG in a calf's thymus by all three
portions of UV spectrum (UVA, B, and C). Like the results found in the study of the
scavenging ability of green and black tea in regards to H202, the subfractions from
black tea showed a greater ability to thwart UV-induced 8-OHdG than those from
green tea. The final results of both the green and black teas' effectiveness were
remarkably similar.

At lower concentrations, the order of potency most effective at thwarting 8-OHdG by
green tea was GT2 > GT3 > GT4 > GT1. Black tea seemed to thwart 8OHdG at all
levels, and the order of potency was BT2 > BT3 > BT4 > BT1. The effectiveness of all
subfractions evened out when the dosage amounts were raised to the levels of what
would be considered a high concentration.

When Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG), an ingredient found in green tea extract, was
added to low concentrations of green and black tea extracts, the scavenging of H202
and the quenching of 8-OHdG was increased dramatically. This provided compelling
evidence that the role of EGCG in both thwarting 8-OHdG and scavenging H202 is
significant in both green and black teas. These findings also indicated that if EGCG is
extracted and used as a bolstering agent to green and black tea, this might hold
scientific and medical significance in the future. Further study is definitely warranted.

Overall, the results of this test were powerful indicators of the role teas might play in
being able to scavenge oxygen species and blocking UV-induced oxidative DNA
damage. These results could play a major role, or at the very least, be used as a
weapon against future exposure. More study is needed, but the results were both
compelling and promising.

Additionally, the EGCG addition and the subsequent results provide a very good
indicator of its role in the antioxidant activities of tea extracts. The ability to scavenge
oxygen species and block UV-induced oxidative DNA damage is a likely explanation, at
least in demonstrating how green and black teas inhibit photocarcinogenesis.

These results possess great promise both in terms of regular use of teas as a
scavenging agent and inhibitor. The study also suggests the benefits of using both in
higher concentrated dosages. Their impact as a regular mechanism for avoiding
exposure or warding off contamination has yet to be determined.

About The Author

Jon M. Stout is the Chairman of the Golden Moon Tea Company. Golden Moon Tea
carefully selects the finest rare and orthodox teas, which are processed slowly and
handcrafted with extreme care. At their website, you can learn more about their
current offerings, including their exceptional green tea
[http://www.goldenmoontea.com/greentea/], white tea, black tea, oolong tea (also
known as wu-long and wu long tea [http://www.goldenmoontea.com/wu-long/])
and chai. Visit goldenmoontea.com for all details concerning the Golden Moon Tea
Company's fine line of teas.

Can Green and Black Tea Fight Some Tumors?
by Jon Stout

In a recent study by the
Department of Dermatology at
the Mount Sinai-NYU Medical
Center in New York, NY, aqueous
extracts of green and black teas
were revealed to ward off
experimentally induced animal
tumors, particularly those caused
by ultraviolet (UV) light-induced
skin carcinogenesis. The study
compared the impact of variable
extractable fractions of green
and black teas on scavenging
hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and
UV irradiation-induced formation
of 8-hydroxy 2'-deoxyguanosine

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The content on
this website is for educational purposes only. Please consult with your physician before using natural
remedies and before making any drastic changes to your diet or exercise program.