A compound found in green tea may reduce the severity of rheumatoid arthritis, stated a study published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Researchers examined the effects of green tea polyphenols on mice injected with collagen. (A procedure that produces a condition similar to rheumatoid arthritis in humans.) Polyphenols are considered to be an antioxidant and occur naturally within the body and in certain foods.
During three different studies, mice that were given the green tea polyphenols were significantly less likely to get arthritis. Of those who ‘drank the tea’, 44% became arthritic. For the ones who were not given the antioxidant, all but one (94%) developed the disease.
Additionally, the mice who were treated with the compound and still ended up with arthritis, suffered from a less severe form than others.
“Extensive laboratory research and the epidemiologic findings of the last 15 years have revealed polyphenolic compounds present in green tea may prevent the onset and subsequent progression of a variety of illnesses,” said lead author Tariq Haqqi, associate professor of the Case Western Reserve University, located on the campus of the University of Michigan Medical School.
However, this is the first study which has linked the beverage to arthritis.
Green tea is different from the black tea that most of us drink. The leaves are younger and not necessarily processed. Still, black tea is one of the most consumed beverages in the world, second only to water.
But the two million Rheumatoid arthritis sufferers in the United States may want to add the lighter-colored variety to their shopping list.
Green tea’s agent, that is directly responsible for the halt of arthritic degeneration, is called EGCG.
Salah-uddin Ahmed, Ph.D., a scientist from the University of Michigan stated “The results from this study suggest that EGCG may be a potential therapeutic value in regulating the joint destruction in RA.”
That is especially true since there is no cure for the affliction other than prevention. Those with the disease suffer from pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in the joints. Many become disabled.
“The study suggests a preventive approach to rheumatoid arthritis,” Haqqi said. Which, so far, is the only approach available.
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