A compound in green tea, known to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, has been found to be an effective potential treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.

In a new study published in the journal Arthritis and Rheumatology, researchers from Washington State University (WSU) in Spokane revealed the compound — called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) — reduced ankle swelling in mice with a rodent form of RA, Medical News Today reports.

RA affects the joints of the body — most commonly the joints of the hands, feet, wrists, elbows knees, and ankles — when the immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial tissues surrounding the joints, causing inflammation, swelling and pain.

About 1.5 million Americans have RA, and conventional treatments — such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), corticosteroids and JAK inhibitors — all carry significant side effects and can leave patients vulnerable to life-threatening infections.

Last month, the death of Eagles founder Glen Frey — a long-time RA sufferer — was partly attributed to health problems tied to the arthritis drugs he was taking, according the singer’s manager, Irving Azof.

Salah-uddin Ahmed, of the WSU College of Pharmacy, who led the new study, said the compound EGCG may be a promising alternative to current treatments for RA.
EGCG is a chemical compound that belongs to a class of flavanols known as catechins, found in green tea.

After giving EGCG to withRA for 10 days, the team noticed that treatment with the compound led to a significant reduction in ankle swelling.

The researchers found that EGCG reduces the activity of TAK1 — a protein that triggers the inflammation and tissue damage found in RA.

"Our findings provide a rationale for targeting TAK1 for the treatment of RA with EGCG," said Ahmed.