Earlier this year, we learnt that green tea safeguards against cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. Well, a novel research by the Oregon State University suggests that green tea has an exceptional ability to increase the number of regulatory T cells that are significantly involved in immune function and suppression of autoimmune disease. It was affirmed that green tea has several health benefits for patients suffering from autoimmune disease.
During the experiments, a compound in green tea called EGCG was tested. This polyphenol supposedly has both anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer characteristics. EGCG was reportedly able to boost the production of regulatory T cells. Even though its effects may not be as potent as some of those produced by prescription drugs, it also bags in a few concerns about long-term use or toxicity.
“This appears to be a natural, plant-derived compound that can affect the number of regulatory T cells, and in the process improve immune function. When fully understood, this could provide an easy and safe way to help control autoimmune problems and address various diseases,†said Emily Ho, an LPI principal investigator and associate professor in the OSU Department of Nutrition and Exercise Sciences.
While experimenting on lab mice, it was asserted that treatment with EGCG strongly increased the numbers and frequencies of regulatory T cells present in spleen and lymph nodes. This process allegedly helped control the immune response. It was concluded that EGCG in green tea may significantly curb autoimmune diseases.
The research is published in the journal Immunology Letters.