Discussion

The health benefits of the tea leaf Camellia sinensis are derived from a group of phytochemicals known as polyphenols. Polyphenols in fresh green tea leaves are present as a series of chemicals called catechins. The dominant and most biologically active among the catechins, (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), has been shown to induce expression of glutathione S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutamate cysteine ligase, heme oxygenase-1, and other enzymes that protect a variety of cells, including cultured neurons, against oxidative stress-induced cell death. EGCG modulates the redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2, which plays a key role in activating detoxifying enzyme HO-1, as well as other phase II enzymes.[1-7]*

Green Tea Leaf Extract Green tea polyphenols protect erythrocytes (red blood cells) from oxidative stress.[8] In research studies, EGCG supported healthy insulin activity,[9] protected the pancreatic cells by reducing undesirable cytokines (e.g., interleukin-1 beta), and reduced interferon-gamma–induced nitric oxide production—an excess of which may cause free radical damage. Furthermore, it was found that the polyphenols triggered genes that inhibit activation of NF-kappaB[10] and reduced the level of messenger RNA for the hepatic gluconeogenic enzymes, which convert non-carbohydrate sources into glucose.[11] EGCG has been shown to support healthy immune function,[2] support the endocrine system,[4] and promote fat oxidation beyond what would be explained by its caffeine content.*[3]

Many of the wide range of health benefits derived from green tea are dose-dependent, and most Americans are not willing to consume the necessary 5-10 cups of tea a day to gain its advantages. Careful processing of the tea into an extract highly concentrates the key beneficial constituents. Each 600 mg capsule of Anti-Ox Green Tea | 600 contains 80% polyphenols, 60% catechins, and 30% EGCG. This is equivalent to approximately 10 cups of green tea. Each capsule contains 36-45 mg of caffeine per serving, roughly the equivalent of a can of cola and less than the 95-200 mg of caffeine in an 8-oz cup of brewed coffee.[12] Naturally occurring caffeine in green tea is believed to act synergistically with the polyphenols.*[13]

In summary, green tea’s benefits are based upon four actions: 1) it is a powerful antioxidant that protects against DNA damage; 2) it induces detoxifying enzymes; 3) it supports gene signaling, which helps regulate cellular growth, development, and apoptosis; and 4) it selectively improves the function of the intestinal bacterial flora.*[1,2,4-8,10,11]