Green tea may help protect against bladder inflammation, a fresh study says.
“We found out that catechins found in green tea safeguarded both normal and cancerous bladder cells from swelling when we revealed the cells to hydrogen peroxide,” Dr. Michael M. Chancellor, professor of urology and gynecology at the University or college of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, said in a prepared statement.
“Although further studies are needed, the results indicate herbal health supplements from green tea could be a treatment option for various bladder conditions that are caused by injury or swelling,” he said.
In their laboratory study, Chancellor and his colleagues revealed normal and cancerous bladder cells to two major catechin components of green tea — epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG) — and then revealed the cells to hydrogen peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide normally damages or kills cells, but EGCG and ECG offered significant safety to the cells. The concentrations of the two kinds of catechins were at levels that can become acquired through normal dietary intake, the experts said.
The study was to presented Sunday at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association, in Anaheim, Calif.
Dr. Elisa Hawks 