Green Tea and Multiple Sclerosis
Another EGCG Miracle?
The relationship between green tea and multiple sclerosis has long been uncertain. Here is an early finding from a breakthrough study.
A 2007 study conducted by Dr. Orhan Aktas from Institute of Neuroimmunology,
Berlin, revealed for the first time that green tea may one day help cure multiple
sclerosis (MS).
According to Dr. Aktas, current MS patients do not have many options in
preventing tissues damage and disability. However, with the discovery of
molecules responsible for the onset of MS, new cures may be at hand.
Scientists have recently identified molecules responsible for the
inflammatory and the neurogenerative processes in MS. They are called EAE, or
experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
Green tea's powerful antioxidant EGCG has been known to combat inflammation
and boost immunity. Perhaps it may have something to do with EAE?
This is indeed what Dr Aktas found. To quote him:
"We have recently identified a flavonoid (EGCG) as such a candidate with
promising effects in the treatment of EAE."
He went on to conclude:
"As its structure implicates additional antioxidative properties, EGCG is
capable of directly protecting against neuronal injury in living brain tissue
induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and of directly blocking the formation
of neurotoxic reactive oxygen species in neurons."
"Moreover, EGCG also protected neuronal tissue against the detrimental death
ligand TRAIL in vitro, indicating a direct protection of
the target CNS
tissue in the course of autoimmune neuroinflammation."
"Thus, considering independent reports of the neuroprotective effects of
polyphenols in neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's Disease or stroke,
EGCG constituents may open up a new therapeutic avenue for treating MS by
combining anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective capacities."
What a relief! A cure is at hand. If you suffer from MS, please consult with
a doctor before starting a tea diet programme. Also, beware of inferior quality
green tea that is stimulating rather than soothing. Read the caffeine guide for further information.
Aktas O, Waiczies S,
Zipp F (2007). Neurodegeneration in autoimmune demyelination: recent mechanistic
insights reveal novel therapeutic targets. J Neuroimmunol. 2007
Mar;184(1-2):17-26. Epub 2007 Jan 10.
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