Antioxidant properties of Green Tea

Green tea polyphenols play an important role as free radical scavengers, thereby reducing lipidoxidation, the oxidative damage of DNA, and the formation of free radicals (Klaunig et. Al, 1999). This increase of antioxidant plasma power has been demonstrated in animals as well as in human beings (Khang S.G., et al., 1992; Benzie I.F.F., et al., 1999). Several diseases, i.e. cancer and atherosclerosis, are induced by free radicals.

Cancer prevention characteristics of Green Tea

Several studies involving testing on animals have demonstrated that green tea polyphenols are able to inhibit the growth of human cancers, including lung (Benzie I.F.F., et al., 1999), skin (Xu Y., et al., 1992), liver (Record R., et al., 1998), oesophagus (Wang Z.Y., et al., 1995), and stomach cancer (Nishida H., et al., 1994). Epidemiological studies have shown a decreased incidence of cancer in human beings who apparently consume green tea on a regular basis (Yamane T., et al., 1995; Yang C.S., et al., 1993; Imai K., et al., 1997). Recent findings revealed several mechanisms that might explain the anticancer characteristics of green tea. Among these mechanisms are the radical scavenging potential, the stimulation of expression of the CDK (cyclin dependent kinase)-inhibitor p21 (Liberto M., et al., 2000), the inhibition of specific matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), and the induction of detoxifying phase II enzymes (Garbisa S., et al., 1999).

Atherosclerosis prevention characteristics of Green Tea

Oxidation reactions play a central role in atherosclerosis (Khang S.G., et al., 1992), because the oxidation of LDL (low density lipoprotein) leads to the formation of "foam cells" as well as to inflammations. The free radical scavenger potential of green tea inhibits lipid peroxidation (Steinberg D., et al. 1992). Studies involving green tea have demonstrated an inverse association of green tea consumption and several serum markers, leading to assuming a positive effect in the battle against cardio-vascular diseases (Terao J., et al., 1994). The instability of atherosclerotic plaques induced by "foam cells" which lead to thrombosis is influenced by macrophage secreted proteases such as MMPs. The inhibition of MMPs by green tea (Liberto M.,et al., 2000) might increase plaque stability and thereby reduce the risk of thrombosis.

Bioavailability

From studies on bioavailability it is known that the maximum plasma concentration is reached after 1-3 hours and most of the catechins are eliminated with the urine within 8 hours. Therefore a multiple green tea ingestion is necessary to keep the plasma level of the healthy green tea active ingredients constantly high. With EGCG (Epigallocatechin-3-gallat, the main catechin) or decaffeinated green tea the bioavailability is low. In contrast, by ingesting the multicomponent system green tea or green tea extract, an increased bioavailability of the catechins is reached. This is due to the synergism of the different active substances contained in the green tea and EFLA®942 which lead to a better uptake of catechins in the blood.

Take advantage of the EFLA®942 Green Tea Extract

The characteristics of Frutarom Switzerland`s Green Tea Extract are comparable to green tea infusions traditionally consumed in Asian countries, especially in China and Japan. Numerous studies on green tea infusions have been carried out. In-vitro studies involving the green tea extract produced by Frutarom Switzerland Ltd. supported the efficacy and the bioavailability of this special extract.