Green Tea

Green Tea

Uses

Botanical names:
Camellia sinensis

Parts Used & Where Grown

All teas (green, black, and oolong) are derived from the same plant, Camellia sinensis. The difference is in how the plucked leaves are prepared. Green tea, unlike black and oolong tea, is not fermented, so the active constituents remain unaltered in the herb. The leaves of the tea plant are used both as a social and a medicinal beverage.

What Are Star Ratings?

This supplement has been used in connection with the following health conditions:

Used for Why
3 Stars
Metabolic Syndrome
600 to 900 mg of tea catechins daily
Strong evidence indicates green tea and black tea extracts can help individuals with metabolic syndrome reduce body weight, lower blood glucose levels, and raise HDL-cholesterol levels.
Drinking tea has been associated with lower risk of metabolic syndrome, and both green and black tea extracts, as well as the green tea catechin epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), have demonstrated positive effects in people with metabolic syndrome. One meta-analysis of six randomized controlled trials involving people with obesity and metabolic syndrome concluded consuming a green tea catechin-rich beverage reduces abdominal fat accumulation and improves metabolic status. A large meta-analysis of studies pooled findings from 16 controlled trials with a combined total of 1,090 participants with obesity and metabolic syndrome. The results showed that, while the evidence for green tea extract is stronger than that for black, both green and black tea extracts help lower blood glucose levels, raise HDL ("good")-cholesterol levels, and reduce body mass index, but have no impact on blood pressure, triglycerides, or other cholesterol levels. Most studies finding beneficial metabolic effects used 600–900 mg of tea catechins per day for at least 12 weeks. It is important to note liver toxicity has been associated with the use of very high doses of green tea extracts.
2 Stars
Abnormal Pap Smear
Twice weekly, apply a cream with 15% polyphenols to the cervix and/or take a 200 mg EGCG supplement daily  
A preliminary study found that cervical dysplasia improved following treatment with epigallocatechin-3-gallate, a green tea flavonoid, for 8 to 12 weeks.

In a preliminary study, women with cervical dysplasia were randomly assigned to receive either 200 mg per day of EGCG—a green tea extract known as (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate—200 mg per day of poly E (another green tea extract), or no treatment (control group) for 8 to 12 weeks. More than 50% of the women receiving EGCG or poly E had an improvement in their Pap smear, compared with only 10% of the women in the control group.

2 Stars
Colon Cancer
Drink a few cups per day
The polyphenols in green tea leaves may help protect against colon cancer.

Green tea and black tea (Camellia sinensis) have both been studied to determine whether they cause or prevent cancer. The evidence on the protective effect of either type of tea is inconsistent.

A number of preliminary studies have shown an association between drinking green tea and a reduced risk of some types of cancer, including colon cancer. In contrast, preliminary studies found that consumers of black tea do not appear to have a reduced risk of any type of cancer.

2 Stars
Down Syndrome
Refer to label instructions
In double-blind studies of young adults with Down syndrome, supplementation with epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG; a flavonoid present in green tea) significantly improved measures of cognitive function.
In double-blind studies of young adults with Down syndrome, supplementation with epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG; a flavonoid present in green tea) for 3-12 months significantly improved measures of cognitive function (episodic memory, visual recognition memory, inhibitory control, and adaptive behavior), compared with a placebo. The amount of EGCG given was 9 mg per 2.2 pounds of body weight per day.
2 Stars
High Cholesterol
3 cups daily
Green tea has been shown to lower total cholesterol levels and improve people's cholesterol profile.

Green tea has been shown to lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels according to several preliminary and controlled trials. However, not all trials have found that green tea intake lowers lipid levels. Much of the research documenting the health benefits of green tea is based on the amount of green tea typically drunk in Asian countries—about three cups per day, providing 240 to 320 mg of polyphenols.
2 Stars
High Cholesterol
75 mg of theaflavins, 150 mg of green tea catechins, and 150 mg of other tea polyphenols daily
An extract of green tea, enriched with a compound present in black tea (theaflavins), has been found to lower serum cholesterol in people with moderately high cholesterol levels.
An extract of green tea, enriched with a compound present in black tea (theaflavins), has been found to lower serum cholesterol in a double-blind study of people with moderately high cholesterol levels. The average reduction in total serum cholesterol during the 12-week study was 11.3%, and the average reduction in LDL cholesterol was 16.4%. The extract used in this study provided daily 75 mg of theaflavins, 150 mg of green tea catechins, and 150 mg of other tea polyphenols.
2 Stars
Influenza
Gargle with a liquid extract containing 200 mcg per ml three times per day
In one study, elderly nursing home residents in Japan who gargled with a green tea extract were less likely to get the flu than those who gargled without the green tea extract.

In a preliminary study of elderly nursing home residents in Japan, only 1.3% of those who gargled with a green tea extract three times a day during the winter developed influenza, whereas 10.4% of those who gargled without the green tea extract developed the disease (a statistically significant difference). The presumed active ingredients in the extract were a group of flavonoids called catechins, which were present in the extract at half the concentration as that in green tea. It is possible, therefore, that gargling with green tea itself might also be effective for preventing the flu.

In a double-blind study of healthcare workers, the combination of 378 mg per day green tea catechins and 210 mg per day of theanine (another component of green tea) taken for 5 months reduced the incidence of influenza infection by 69%, when compared with a placebo.

2 Stars
Leukoplakia
3 grams daily of a combination of whole green tea, green tea polyphenols, and green tea pigments, along with painting the mixture on the lesions three times per day
A combination of whole green tea, green tea polyphenols, and green tea pigments painted on lesions may improve healing.

In a double-blind trial, people with leukoplakia took 3 grams per day of a mixture of whole green tea, green tea polyphenols, and green tea pigments orally and also painted the mixture of the tea on their lesions three times per day for six months. Those in the green tea group had significant improvement in the healing of their lesions.

2 Stars
Obesity
An extract supplying 270 mg of EGCG and 150 mg of caffeine per day
Green tea extract rich in polyphenols may support a weight-loss program by increasing energy expenditure or by inhibiting fat digestion.

Green tea extract rich in polyphenols (epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG) may support a weight-loss program by increasing energy expenditure or by inhibiting the digestion of fat in the intestine. Healthy young men who took two green tea capsules (containing a total of 50 mg of caffeine and 90 mg of EGCG) three times a day burned significantly more calories and oxidized significantly more fat than those who took caffeine alone or a placebo. In a preliminary study of moderately obese individuals, administration of a specific green tea extract (AR25) resulted in a 4.6% reduction in average body weight after 12 weeks. The amount of green tea extract used in this study supplied daily 270 mg of EGCG and 150 mg of caffeine.

While caffeine is known to stimulate metabolism, it appears that other substances besides caffeine were responsible for at least part of the weight loss. Although the extract produced few side effects, one individual developed abnormal liver function tests during the study. In another study, consuming approximately 12 ounces of oolong tea (a semifermented version of green tea) daily for 12 weeks reduced waist circumference and the amount of body fat in a group of normal-weight to overweight men. However, in another study, 300 mg per day of EGCG was no more effective than a placebo for promoting weight loss in overweight postmenopausal women. Additional studies are needed to confirm the safety and effectiveness of green tea extracts for promoting weight loss.

2 Stars
Prostate Cancer
Several cups per day (enough to provide 600 mg of catechins daily)
Drinking green tea or taking green tea catechins may help prevent prostate cancer in men at high risk of developing the disease.
In a double-blind trial, men with precancerous changes in the prostate received a green tea extract providing 600 mg of catechins per day or a placebo for one year. After one year, prostate cancer had developed in 3.3% of the men receiving the green tea extract and in 30% of those given the placebo, a statistically significant difference. These results suggest that drinking green tea or taking green tea catechins may help prevent prostate cancer in men at high risk of developing the disease.
2 Stars
Sunburn
Apply a formula containing 10% green tea polyphenols before sun exposure
Green tea contains polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and studies have suggested that these polyphenols can protect skin against ultraviolet rays.

Green tea(Camellia sinensis) contains polyphenols that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, and animal and preliminary human studies have suggested that these polyphenols, when given orally or used topically, can protect skin against ultraviolet rays. In a small, controlled human study, topical application of green tea extracts containing from 2.5 to 10% polyphenols significantly reduced the amount of burning from exposure to ultraviolet rays, with the 10% solution exerting greater protective effect.

2 Stars
Type 2 Diabetes
The best effective dose is unknown, but doses providing 450 mg of total green tea polyphenols (catechins) daily are considered moderate; doses providing 800 mg of EGCG or more daily have been linked to liver injury and are not considered safe.
Green tea may protect cardiovascular health and improve metabolism.
Green tea is a rich source of antioxidant polyphenols called catechins, including the well-studied epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, green tea catechins appear to protect cardiovascular health and improve metabolism in obesity, insulin resistance, and type 2 diabetes. Green tea consumption has been correlated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes and diabetes-related heart disease. In a preliminary trial, 400 mg per day of green tea extract standardized to contain 90% green tea polyphenols and 45% EGCG reduced arterial stiffness in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Although a meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials, including a total of 1,133 subjects with various metabolic disorders, found that green tea consumption significantly improves blood glucose control and insulin sensitivity, another meta-analysis of six studies that only included participants with type 2 diabetes or pre-diabetes found no beneficial effects of green tea or green tea extract on insulin resistance or measures of glycemic control. Although an effective dose has not been identified, doses providing 800 mg of EGCG or more per day have been linked to liver injury and are not considered safe.
1 Star
Crohn's Disease
Refer to label instructions
Green tea is a tannin-containing herb that may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and has been used for this purpose in traditional medicine.

Tannin-containing herbs may be helpful to decrease diarrhea during acute flare-ups and have been used for this purpose in traditional medicine. A preliminary trial using isolated tannins in the course of usual drug therapy for Crohn's disease found them to be more effective for reducing diarrhea than was no additional treatment. Tannin-containing herbs of potential benefit include agrimony (Agrimonia spp.), green tea, oak, witch hazel, and cranesbill. Use of such herbs should be discontinued before the diarrhea is completely resolved; otherwise the disease may be aggravated.
1 Star
Hemochromatosis
Refer to label instructions
High-tannin tea has been shown to reduce the need for blood removal from people with iron overload, or hemochromatosis, in an open study. The tea had to be taken with meals and without lemon or milk to be effective. Tea is believed to help in hemochromatosis by preventing iron absorption.
High-tannin tea has been shown to reduce the need for blood removal from people with iron overload, or hemochromatosis, in an open study. The tea had to be taken with meals and without lemon or milk to be effective. Tea is believed to help in hemochromatosis by preventing iron absorption.
1 Star
High Triglycerides
Refer to label instructions
Drinking green tea may have a positive effect on triglyceride levels.

Intake of three cups or less of green tea daily has been shown not to affect blood triglyceride levels. Intake of four or more cups per day has been correlated with lower triglyceride levels. Overall, the evidence is unclear on how much of an effect high levels of intake of green tea has on triglyceride levels.
1 Star
Hives
Refer to label instructions
Two components of green tea, the polyphenols epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), are reported to have an antihistamine effect.

Two components of green tea, the polyphenols epigallocatechin (EGC) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), are reported to have an antihistamine effect. Some doctors recommend approximately 3 cups of green tea per day or about 3 grams of soluble components providing roughly 240 to 320 mg of polyphenols, although no human trials have studied the effects of green tea in people with hives.
1 Star
Immune Function
Refer to label instructions
Green tea has stimulated production of immune cells and has shown anti-bacterial properties in some studies.
Green tea has stimulated production of immune cells and has shown anti-bacterial properties in animal studies. More research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of green tea in protecting against infection and other immune system-related diseases.
1 Star
Infection
Refer to label instructions
Green tea is an herb that directly attack microbes.

Herbs that directly attack microbes include the following: chaparral, eucalyptus, garlic, green tea, lemon balm (antiviral), lomatium, myrrh, olive leaf, onion, oregano, pau d'arco (antifungal), rosemary, sage, sandalwood, St. John's wort, tea tree oil, thyme, and usnea.
1 Star
Lung Cancer
Refer to label instructions
Numerous preliminary studies have shown an association between drinking green tea and a reduced risk of several types of cancer including lung cancer.

Numerous preliminary studies have shown an association between drinking green tea and a reduced risk of several types of cancer including lung cancer. In contrast, preliminary studies of black tea consumption have not found that it protected against any type of cancer.

Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

According to Chinese legend, tea was discovered accidentally by an emperor 4,000 years ago. Since then, Traditional Chinese Medicine has recommended green tea for headaches, body aches and pains, digestion, depression, immune enhancement, detoxification, as an energizer, and to prolong life.

How It Works

Botanical names:
Camellia sinensis

How It Works

Green tea contains volatile oils, vitamins, minerals, and caffeine, but the primary constituents of interest are the polyphenols, particularly the catechin called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). The polyphenols are believed to be responsible for most of green tea's roles in promoting good health.1

Green tea has been shown to mildly lower total cholesterol levels and improve the cholesterol profile (decreasing LDL "bad" cholesterol and increasing HDL "good" cholesterol) in most,2, 3, 4, 5 but not all,6 studies. Green tea may also promote cardiovascular health by making platelets in the blood less sticky.

Green tea has been shown to protect against the oxidation of cholesterol to a more toxic molecule (oxidized cholesterol).7 Consumption of green tea increases antioxidant activity in the blood.8 Oxidative damage to LDL can promote atherosclerosis. While population studies have suggested that consumption of green tea is associated with protection against atherosclerosis,9 the evidence is still preliminary.

Several animal and test tube studies have demonstrated an anticancer effect of polyphenols from green tea.10, 11, 12 In one of these studies, a polyphenol called catechin from green tea effectively inhibited metastasis (uncontrolled spread) of melanoma (skin cancer) cells.13 The polyphenols in green tea have also been associated with reduced risk of several types of cancer in humans.14, 15, 16 However, some human studies have found no association between green tea consumption and decreased cancer risk.17, 18

In a double-blind trial, people with leukoplakia (a pre-cancerous oral condition) took 3 grams orally per day of a mixture of whole green tea, green tea polyphenols, and green tea pigments orally, and also painted a mixture of the tea on their lesions three times daily for six months.19 As compared to the placebo group, those in the green tea group had significant decreases in the pre-cancerous condition.

Compounds in green tea, as well as black tea, may reduce the risk of dental caries.20 Human volunteers rinsing with an alcohol extract of oolong tea leaves before bed each night for four days had significantly less plaque formation, but similar amounts of plaque-causing bacteria, compared to those with no treatment.21

Green tea polyphenols have been shown to stimulate the production of several immune system cells, and have topical antibacterial properties—even against the bacteria that cause dental plaque.22, 23, 24

One study found that intake of 10 cups or more of green tea per day improved blood test results, indicating protection against liver damage.25 Further studies are needed to determine if taking green tea helps those with liver diseases.

Tea flavonoids given by capsule reduced fecal odor and favorably altered the gut bacteria in elderly Japanese with feeding tubes living in nursing homes.26 The study was repeated in bedridden elderly not on feeding tubes, and green tea was again shown to improve their gut bacteria.27 These studies raise the possibility of using green tea in other settings where gut bacteria are disturbed, such as after taking antibiotics. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of green tea in this respect, however.

High-tannin tea has been shown to reduce the need for blood removal from people with iron overload, or hemochromatosis, in an open study.28 The tea had to be taken with meals and without lemon or milk to be effective. Tea is believed to help in hemochromatosis by preventing iron absorption.

In a double-blind trial, men with precancerous changes in the prostate received a green tea extract providing 600 mg of catechins per day or a placebo for one year. After one year, prostate cancer had developed in 3.3% of the men receiving the green tea extract and in 30% of those given the placebo, a statistically significant difference.29 These results suggest that drinking green tea or taking green tea catechins may help prevent prostate cancer in men at high risk of developing the disease.

There are four case reports in which certain types of leukemia or lymphoma (low grade B-cell malignancies) improved after the patients began taking green tea extracts.30

How to Use It

Much of the research documenting the health benefits of green tea is based on the amount of green tea typically consumed in Asian countries—about 3 cups (750 ml) per day (providing 240–320 mg of polyphenols).31 However, other research suggests as much as 10 cups (2,500 ml) per day is necessary to obtain noticeable benefits from green tea ingestion.32, 33 To brew green tea, 1 teaspoon (5 grams) of green tea leaves are combined with 1 cup (250 ml) of boiling water and steeped for three minutes. Decaffeinated tea is recommended to reduce the side effects associated with caffeine, including anxiety and insomnia. Tablets and capsules containing standardized extracts of polyphenols, particularly EGCG, are available. Some provide up to 97% polyphenol content—which is equivalent to drinking 4 cups (1,000 ml) of tea. Many of these standardized products are decaffeinated.

Interactions

Botanical names:
Camellia sinensis

Interactions with Supplements, Foods, & Other Compounds

At the time of writing, there were no well-known supplement or food interactions with this supplement.

Interactions with Medicines

Certain medicines interact with this supplement.

What Are Drug Interactions
Types of interactions:BeneficialAdverseCheck

Replenish Depleted Nutrients

  • none

Reduce Side Effects

  • none

Support Medicine

  • none

Reduces Effectiveness

  • Cardec DM

    Tannins are a group of unrelated chemicals that give plants an astringent taste. Herbs containing high amounts of tannins may interfere with the absorption of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine taken by mouth. Herbs containing high levels of tannins include green tea, black tea, uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi), black walnut (Juglans nigra),red raspberry (Rubus idaeus), oak (Quercus spp.), and witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana).

  • Nadolol
    In a study of healthy volunteers, ingestion of green tea along with nadolol decreased the absorption of the drug and decreased its blood pressure-lowering effect. Based on this report, people taking nadolol should not consume green tea.
  • Warfarin

    One man taking warfarin and one-half to one gallon of green tea (Camellia sinensis) per day developed signs based on laboratory testing suggesting his blood was too thick because the green tea was blocking the effect of warfarin. Removal of the green tea caused normalization of his blood tests. Those taking green tea and warfarin together should have their blood monitored regularly to avert any problems and should consult with a doctor, healthcare practitioner and/or pharmacist before taking any medication.

Potential Negative Interaction

  • none

Explanation Required

  • none

The Drug-Nutrient Interactions table may not include every possible interaction. Taking medicines with meals, on an empty stomach, or with alcohol may influence their effects. For details, refer to the manufacturers' package information as these are not covered in this table. If you take medications, always discuss the potential risks and benefits of adding a supplement with your doctor or pharmacist.

Side Effects

Botanical names:
Camellia sinensis

Side Effects

Green tea is generally free of side effects. The most common adverse effects reported from consuming large amounts (several cups per day) of green tea are insomnia, anxiety, and other symptoms caused by the caffeine content in the herb.

An extract of green tea taken by healthy women with a meal inhibited the absorption of non-heme iron (e.g., the form of iron in plant foods) by 26%.34 Frequent use of green tea could, in theory, promote the development of iron deficiency in susceptible individuals.

There have been at least 34 case reports of people developing liver damage (sometimes severe) while consuming weight-loss products that contained concentrated extracts of green tea.35 A cause–effect relationship was not proven, and most of the products contained other ingredients in addition to green tea extract. However, researchers have concluded that green tea extract was the probable cause of liver damage in some of the cases.36 Scientists have cautioned against the use of large amounts, or concentrated extracts, of green tea. In addition, there is a case report in which a person developed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (a condition in which a bruising develops as a result of a low platelet count) after consuming a weight-loss product that contained green tea extract for 2 months. Green tea was not proven to be the cause of this problem.37

References

1. Graham HN. Green tea composition, consumption, and polyphenol chemistry. Prev Med 1992;21:334-50.

2. Kono S, Shinchi K, Ikeda N, et al. Green tea consumption and serum lipid profiles: A cross-sectional study in Northern Kyushu, Japan. Prev Med 1992;21:526-31.

3. Yamaguchi Y, Hayashi M, Yamazoe H, et al. Preventive effects of green tea extract on lipid abnormalities in serum, liver and aorta of mice fed an atherogenic diet. Nip Yak Zas 1991;97:329-37.

4. Sagesaka-Mitane Y, Milwa M, Okada S. Platelet aggregation inhibitors in hot water extract of green tea. Chem Pharm Bull 1990;38:790-3.

5. Stensvold I, Tverdal A, Solvoll K, et al. Tea consumption. Relationship to cholesterol, blood pressure, and coronary and total mortality. Prev Med 1992;21:546-53.

6. Tsubono Y, Tsugane S. Green tea intake in relation to serum lipid levels in middle-aged Japanese men and women. Ann Epidemiol 1997;7:280-4.

7. Serafini M, Ghiselli A, Ferro-Luzzi A. In vivo antioxidant effect of green tea in man. Eur J Clin Nutr 1996;50:28-32.

8. Benzie IF, Szeto YT, Strain JJ, Tomlinson B. Consumption of green tea causes rapid increase in plasma antioxidant power in humans. Nutr Cancer 1999;34:83-7.

9. Sasazuki S, Komdama H, Yoshimasu K, et al. Relation between green tea consumption and severity of coronary atherosclerosis among Japanese men and women. Ann Epidemiol 2000;10:401-8.

10. Suganuma M, Okabe S, Sueoka N, et al. Green tea and cancer chemoprevention. Mutat Res 1999;428:339-44.

11. Weisberger JH, Rivenson A, Garr K, et al. Tea, or tea and milk, inhibit mammary gland and colon carcinogenesis in rats. Cancer Lett 1997;114:323-7.

12. Yang CS, Lee MJ, Chen L, Yang GY. Polyphenols as inhibitors of carcinogenesis. Environ Health Perspect 1997;105(Suppl 4):971-6 [review].

13. Menon LG, Kuttan R, Kuttan G. Anti-metastatic activity of curcumin and catechin. Cancer Lett 1999;141:159-65.

14. Mukhtar H, Ahmad N. Green tea in chemoprevention of cancer. Toxicol Sci 1999;52(2 Suppl):111-7.

15. Katiyar SK, Mukhtar H. Tea consumption and cancer. World Rev Nutr Diet 1996;79:154-84 [review].

16. Kohlmeier L, Weterings KG, Steck S, Kok FJ. Tea and cancer prevention: an evaluation of the epidemiologic literature. Nutr Cancer 1997;27:1-13 [review].

17. Tsubono Y, Nishino Y, Komatsu S, et al. Green tea and the risk of gastric cancer in Japan. New Engl J Med 2001;344:632-6.

18. Galanis DJ, Kolonel LN, Lee J, Nomura A. Intakes of selected foods and beverages and the incidence of gastric cancer among the Japanese residents of Hawaii: a prospective study. Int J Epidemiol 1998;27:173-80.

19. Li N, Sun Z, Han C, Chen J. The chemopreventive effects of tea on human oral precancerous mucosa lesions. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 1999;220:218-24.

20. Otake S, Makimura M, Kuroki T, et al. Anticaries effects of polyphenolic compounds from Japanese green tea. Caries Res 1991;25:438-43.

21. Ooshima T, Minami T, Aono W, et al. Reduction of dental plaque deposition in humans by oolong tea extract. Caries Res 1994;28:146-9.

22. Stoner GD, Mukhtar H. Polyphenols as cancer chemopreventive agents. J Cell Bioch 1995;22:169-80.

23. You SQ. Study on feasibility of Chinese green tea polyphenols (CTP) for preventing dental caries. Chin J Stom 1993;28(4):197-9.

24. Hamilton-Miller JM. Antimicrobial properties of tea (Camellia sinensis L.). Antimicrob Agents Chemother 1995;39:2375-7.

25. Imai K, Nakachi K. Cross sectional study of effects of drinking green tea on cardiovascular and liver diseases. BMJ 1995;310:693-6.

26. Goto K, Kanaya S, Nishikawa T, et al. The influence of tea catechins on fecal flora of elderly residents in long-term care facilities. Ann Long-Term Care 1998;6:43-8.

27. Goto K, Kanaya S, Ishigami T, Hara Y. The effects of tea catechins on fecal conditions of elderly residents in a long-term care facility. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 1999;45:135-41.

28. Kaltwasser JP, Werner E, Schalk K, et al. Clinical trial on the effect of regular tea drinking on iron accumulation in genetic haemochromatosis. Gut 1998;43:699-704.

29. Bettuzzi S, Brausi M, Rizzi F, et al. Chemoprevention of human prostate cancer by oral administration of green tea catechins in volunteers with high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia: a preliminary report from a one-year proof-of-principle study. Cancer Res2006;66:1234-40.

30. Shanafelt TD, Lee YK, Call TG, et al. Clinical effects of oral green tea extracts in four patients with low grade B-cell malignancies. Leuk Res 2006;30:707-12.

31. Murray MT. The Healing Power of Herbs. Rocklin, CA: Prima Publishing, 1995, 192-6.

32. Imai K, Suga K, Nakachi K. Cancer-preventive effects of drinking green tea among a Japanese population. Prev Med 1997;26:769-75.

33. Imai K, Nakachi K. Cross sectional study of effects of drinking green tea on cardiovascular and liver diseases. BMJ 1995;310:693-6.

34. Samman S, Sandstrom B, Toft MB, et al. Green tea or rosemary extract added to foods reduces nonheme-iron absorption. Am J Clin Nutr 2001;73:607-12.

35. Bonkovsky HL. Hepatotoxicity associated with supplements containing Chinese green tea (Camellia sinensis). Ann Intern Med 2006;144:68-71.

36. Schonthal AH. Adverse effects of concentrated green tea extracts. Mol Nutr Food Res 2011;55:874-885.

37. Liatsos GD, Moulakakis A, Ketikoglou I, Klonari S. Possible green tea-induced thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2010;67:531-4.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.

Find a Doctor

Find an Adventist HealthCare affiliated doctor by calling our FREE physician referral service at 800-642-0101 or by searching our online physician directory.

View Doctors

Set Your Location

Setting your location helps us to show you nearby providers and locations based on your healthcare needs.