February 4, 2010
Green Tea Extract May Treat Uterine Fibroids
An extract from green tea may be useful in treating uterine fibroids, a condition that affects 25%-30% of U.S. women, new research indicates.
Fibroids of the uterus, a condition called uterine leiomyoma, can be debilitating, leading to excessive vaginal bleeding, anemia, and fatigue.
Dong Zhang, MD, and colleagues from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., say they've found that an extract of green tea could kill uterine fibroid cells in test tube studies and reduce the size and weight of fibroids in mice.
Their work is published this week in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
The researchers injected 20 mice with fibroid cells. Ten mice were given epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) mixed with their water, and 10 mice were given plain water. EGCG is a polyphenol in green tea and is a compound found in vegetables and fruits.
The mice were followed for up to eight weeks. At both four weeks and eight weeks after treatment, fibroid growths were smaller and weighed less. The researchers note that one mouse in the EGCG group had no tumor seen at the end of eight weeks.
In test tube studies with rodent fibroid cells, cells treated with EGCG grew more slowly and were smaller after 48-72 hours. EGCG also prompted fibroid cell death. The researchers write that it is "highly encouraging that, in our work, a relatively modest dose of EGCG ... that was delivered in drinking water was successful in inducing a dramatic and sustained reduction in fibroid tumor size up to eight weeks after treatment."
The researchers say their study suggests that EGCG "might be particularly useful for long-term use in women with a low fibroid tumor burden to arrest tumor progression and avoid the development of severe symptoms that necessitate major surgery."
Ayman Al-Hendy, MD, PhD director of Clinical Research at Meharry, says in the news release that women who suffer from uterine fibroids may lose time from work, have higher medical bills, and might need advanced treatment in order to become pregnant.
The condition disproportionately affects African-American women, who are four times more likely to have fibroid tumors than women from other ethnic groups.
The researchers say they are now recruiting participants for human trials.
Author: Bill Hendrick
Source: http://www.medicinenet.com/
Comments:
Uterine fibroids are non-cancerous growths in the uterus that lead to painful menstruation, excessive bleeding, anemia, infertility and sterility. Although the chances of these growths turning cancerous are negligible, uterine fibroids are very common and affect as many as 3 out of 4 women mostly of childbearing age. This study gives proof that the natural substance obtained from green tea extract is an effective way to address uterine fibroids. Conventional medicine does not have a satisfactory way to treat fibroids, and gynecological surgeons either remove them or, in some cases completely remove the uterus (hysterectomy).
This study conducted by researchers in Tennessee utilizes experimentation methods similar to those that are used at Dr. Rath's Research Institute. Based on Dr. Rath's breakthrough discoveries, researchers at Dr. Rath's Research Institute have thus far published in vivo and in vitro studies on several cancer cell lines using a specific nutrient combination. Polyphenols found in green tea such as EGCG and others are important in fighting abnormal cell growth at various levels. The scientists at Dr. Rath's Research Institute have already proven the benefits of green tea extract in combination with specific cellular nutrients in about 30 different cancers. These combinations of nutrients, especially Vitamin C, lysine, proline and green tea extract and others work together and help stop the spread of cancer by controlling tumor growth, angiogenesis, apoptosis, inflammations, and the activity of collagen-digestive enzymes. In his cancer control research, Dr. Rath used his innovative approach that individual nutrients are not required in mega doses to get the same results. It is the combination of specific nutrients in specific proportion that is important to obtain optimum benefits from nutrient supplementation. You can read more about Dr. Rath's research and the concept of nutrient synergy on www.drrathresearch.org and www.cellularhealthtraining.org
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