The cancer-inhibiting properties of Green Tea.

Green tea is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. The leaves are picked, steamed, dried, and crushed into a powder or brewed into a tea. During the processing of the leaves, the active ingredient in green tea, EGCG, is formed. Studies have shown that EGCG is the most potent compound in green tea and is responsible for many of its health benefits, including its anti-cancer effects.

EGCG is believed to exert its anti-cancer effects by targeting multiple pathways and mechanisms, such as the inhibition of cell proliferation. EGCG has been found to reduce the activity of the enzyme cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK), which is responsible for promoting cell division. By inhibiting CDK, EGCG can block cell proliferation and prevent cancer cells from growing and spreading.

EGCG has been shown to induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells. This is accomplished via various mechanisms, including the activation of caspases, the inhibition of AKT pathways, and the upregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins. Additionally, EGCG has been found to inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which tumors create blood vessels to supply themselves with nutrients and oxygen. EGCG does this by inhibiting the production of pro-angiogenic factors, such as VEGF and bFGF, and by promoting the production of anti-angiogenic factors, such as thrombospondin-1.

In addition to its role in apoptosis, EGCG has also been found to inhibit angiogenesis, the process by which cancer cells form new blood vessels to feed their growth. By blocking the formation of new blood vessels, EGCG can prevent the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a potent antioxidant found in green tea, has been shown to inhibit insulin-stimulated glucose uptake. This inhibition is thought to be caused by several mechanisms, such as downregulation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) expression, disruption of insulin signaling, and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/GLUT4 pathway. EGCG also interferes with glucose metabolism to reduce glycogen synthesis and glucose oxidation. By interrupting the normal process of glucose uptake, EGCG may reduce the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

  • Glutamine analog
  • DNMT inhibitor
  • Zinc ionophore
  • LDHA inhibitor

Intake of green tea and EGCG is safe for adults when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods or beverages. In general, adverse effects (e.g. hepatotoxicity) have only been reported with high doses of green tea extract. EGCG has a good safety profile of up to 800mg/day. Green tea extracts sold over the counter typically contain around 200 milligrams of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg) per 400 milligrams of extract. This means that the extract is made up of approximately 50% EGCg. 

Green tea polyphenols block the anticancer effects of bortezomib and other boronic acid-based proteasome inhibitors.{ref}

Clinical trial: Perioperative Administration of Oral Green Tea Extract/Milk Thistle Extract to Colorectal Cancer Patients Undergoing Colorectal Cancer Resection, a Phase 1 Study.
Estimated Study Completion Date: November 2022
Green Tea Extract: 3,200 mg per day. Milk thistle extract with phosphatidylcholine: 2,700 mg per day.

Wang D, Wei Y, Wang T, Wan X, Yang CS, Reiter RJ, Zhang J. Melatonin attenuates (-)-epigallocatehin-3-gallate-triggered hepatotoxicity without compromising its downregulation of hepatic gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes in mice. J Pineal Res. 2015 Nov;59(4):497-507. doi: 10.1111/jpi.12281. Epub 2015 Oct 25. PMID: 26426126.

Green tea:  6–9 Japanese-size tea cups of green tea/per day. 2-3 regular cups of Matcha tea. For synergistic benefits and flavor add a little lemon juice, organic ginger powder, licorice powder, and/or Ceylon cinnamon.


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