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Research Database
The only comprehensive database for clinical and medical research papers on the healthy benefits of matcha/green tea.
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Cognitive Function
Matcha consumption leads to much higher intake of green tea phytochemicals compared to regular green tea. Previous research on caffeine, L-theanine, and epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) repeatedly demonstrated benefits on cognitive performance.
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Heart Health
According to Harvard Medical School, “lowering your risk of cardiovascular disease may be as easy as drinking green tea. Studies suggest this light, aromatic tea may lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, which may be responsible for the tea's association with reduced risk of death from heart disease and stroke.”
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Mental Health
Matcha contains an amino acid called L-theanine, which has been shown to reduce physiological and psychological stresses. L-theanine also improves cognition and mood in a synergistic manner with caffeine, and promotes alpha wave production in the brain
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Cancer Prevention
Matcha/green tea has for many centuries been regarded as an essential part of good health in Japan and China. Many believe it can help reduce the risk of cancer, and a growing body of evidence backs this up.
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Immunity
A recent study in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences concluded that drinking matcha daily greatly enhanced the overall response of the immune system. The exceedingly high levels of antioxidants in matcha mainly take the form of polyphenols, catechins, and flavonoids, each of which aids the body’s defense in its daily struggles against free radicals that come from the pollution in your air, water and foods.
Learn MoreMost Recent Research Articles
Elemental characterization of Japanese green tea leaves and tea infusion residue by neutron-induced prompt and delayed gamma-ray analysis
Author: M.A. Islam and M. Ebihara
The determination of mineral compositions of Japanese green tea leaves was carried out using a combination of PGA (neutron-induced prompt gamma-ray analysis) and INAA (instrumental neutron activation analysis). Due to the nondestructive, multi-element analytical capability and minimal sample preparation, these techniques can easily be used to determine a wide range of elemental contents (from 7.4% of H to 7.1 ng/g of Sc) in tea leaves. The extraction efficiencies of the elements in tea infusion were evaluated by comparing average elemental concentrations of the tea leaves before and after infusion, which show that Cl (93%), Br (80%), K (71%), Rb (66%), Cs (60%), Na (59%) and Co (51%) are highly extracted, whereas Fe (9%), La (7%) and Mn (5%) are poorly extracted by a 6 min hot water infusion process. Although K has a high content in green tea leaves with high extraction efficiency, as much as seven cups (250 mL each cup) of green tea infusion need to be consumed to get a source of 10% daily value of this mineral.
Analysis of the tumoral cytotoxicity of green tea-infusions enriched with broccoli
Author: Raúl Domínguez-Perles and Diego A. Moreno and Cristina García-Viguera
Broccoli has risen as rich in bioactive phytochemicals (glucosinolates and phenolic compounds) closely linked with the reduction of cancer risk. Green tea infusion is a beverage that also contains anticarcinogenic compounds, mainly represented by flavanols. The compounds present in new broccoli-enriched green tea drinks and their potential antitumoral activity in vitro were evaluated. The distinct compounds present in the prepared beverages were identified by HPLC–PAD–ESI-MSn and quantified by HPLC–PAD. Caco-2 and CCD-18Co cell lines were exposed to growing percentages (0.2–5%) of infusions of distinct combinations of plant material. The time-dependent cytotoxicity on the malignant cells was also achieved. Cell death was evaluated by trypan blue dye exclusion and a more efficient specific cytotoxic effect on Caco-2 cells was observed on the cells incubated with the mixture of broccoli and green tea than on cells exposed to control infusions. Broccoli added to green tea resulted in a combination of phytochemicals with antitumoral activity with potential for further developments in mechanistic models and the design of novel foods.
Analysis of some selected catechins and caffeine in green tea by high performance liquid chromatography
Author: M.S. El-Shahawi and A. Hamza and S.O. Bahaffi and A.A. Al-Sibaai and T.N. Abduljabbar
Green tea seems to have a positive impact on health due to the catechins-found as flavanols. Thus, the present study was aimed to develop a low cost reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method for simultaneous determination of flavanol contents, namely catechin (C), epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin 3-gallate (ECG) and epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) and caffeine in 29 commercial green tea samples available in a Saudi Arabian local market. A C-18 reversed-phase column, acetonitrile–trifluoroacetic acid as a mobile phase, coupled with UV detector at 205 nm, was successfully used for precise analysis of the tested analytes in boiled water of digested tea leaves. The average values of N (No. of theoretical plates), HETP (height equivalent of theoretical plates) and Rs (separation factor) (at 10 μg ml−1of the catechins EC, EGC, EGCG and ECG) were 2.6 × 103 ± 1.2 × 103, 1.7 × 10−3 ± 4.7 × 10−4 cm and 1.7 ± 5.53 × 10−2, respectively. The developed HPLC method demonstrated excellent performance, with low limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) of the tested catechins of 0.004–0.05 μg ml−1and 0.01–0.17 μg ml−1, respectively, and recovery percentages of 96–101%. The influence of infusion time (5–30 min) and temperature on the content of the flavanols was investigated by HPLC. After a 5 min infusion of the tea leaves, the average concentrations of caffeine, catechin, EC, EGC, ECG and EGCG were found to be in the ranges 0.086–2.23, 0.113–2.94, 0.58–10.22, 0.19–24.9, 0.22–13.9 and 1.01–43.3 mg g−1, respectively. The contents of caffeine and catechins followed the sequence: EGCG > EGC > ECG > EC > C > caffeine. The method was applied satisfactorily for the analysis of (+)-catechin, even at trace and ultra trace concentrations of catechins. The method was rapid, accurate, reproducible and ideal for routine analysis.
Green tea extract reduces blood pressure, inflammatory biomarkers, and oxidative stress and improves parameters associated with insulin resistance in obese, hypertensive patients
Author: Pawel Bogdanski and Joanna Suliburska and Monika Szulinska and Marta Stepien and Danuta Pupek-Musialik and Anna Jablecka
Green tea (GT) consumption is known to be associated with enhanced cardiovascular and metabolic health. The purpose of this study is to examine the hypothesis that supplementation with GT alters insulin resistance and associated cardiovascular risk factors in obese, hypertensive patients. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 56 obese, hypertensive subjects were randomized to receive a daily supplement of 1 capsule that contained either 379 mg of GT extract (GTE) or a matching placebo, for 3 months. At baseline and after 3 months of treatment, the anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, plasma lipid levels, glucose levels, creatinine levels, tumor necrosis factor α levels, C-reactive protein levels, total antioxidant status, and insulin levels were assessed. Insulin resistance was evaluated according to the homeostasis model assessment–insulin resistance protocol. After 3 months of supplementation, both systolic and diastolic blood pressures had significantly decreased in the GTE group as compared with the placebo group (P < .01). Considerable (P < .01) reductions in fasting serum glucose and insulin levels and insulin resistance were observed in the GTE group when compared with the placebo group. Serum tumor necrosis factor α and C-reactive protein were significantly lower, whereas total antioxidant status increased in the GTE group compared with the placebo (P< .05). Supplementation also contributed to significant (P < .05) decreases in the total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides, but an increase in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. In conclusion, daily supplementation with 379 mg of GTE favorably influences blood pressure, insulin resistance, inflammation and oxidative stress, and lipid profile in patients with obesity-related hypertension.
Bioaccessibility of green tea polyphenols incorporated into an edible agar film during simulated human digestion
Author: A.M. López de Lacey and B. Giménez and E. Pérez-Santín and R. Faulks and G. Mandalari and M.E. López-Caballero and P. Montero
Simple edible films can be manufactured to meet not only their primary protective purpose but can be easily manipulated to meet sensory expectations and to contain compounds which enhance the protective properties or even have the potential to deliver health benefits. However, the use of such edible films not only to protect the food but as a vehicle to deliver health benefits has not been investigated. In this paper we study agar films containing an aqueous extract of green tea, rich in polyphenol compounds, and the bioaccessibility of these compounds during simulated digestion in the upper gastro-intestinal tract using a dynamic gastric model (DGM) and a static duodenal model. It is concluded that the recovery of the tea compounds added to the agar film mainly occurs in the stomach (50–80%) and that little or no additional recovery is observed in the duodenum. Furthermore, the green tea compounds recovered show both reducing power and radical scavenging ability, but not antimicrobial activity. The bioaccessibility of the green tea flavonols is reduced in the presence of gelatin used to simulate the presence of protein in the stomach, but it is not clear if this is due to reduced release or sequestration of released compounds by the gelatin.
Green tea and green tea catechin extracts: An overview of the clinical evidence
Author: Rachel Johnson and Susan Bryant and Alyson L. Huntley
Background Tea leaves contain varying amounts of polyphenols of which the majority are catechins. There has been a sizable amount of research on the potential effect of green tea catechins for cancer risk, cardiovascular disease risk and weight loss; all conditions that are relevant to mid-life health. The aim was to produce an overview of the evidence for green tea for these three important health conditions. Methods The databases Medline (& Medline in process) and Embase, were searched for systematic reviews and meta-analyses using customised search strategies performed up until April 2012. Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews criteria were used to assess the quality of the included reviews. Relevant data were extracted into predefined tables. The results are described and discussed narratively. Results We included eight systematic reviews and meta-analyses covering the topics of cancer risk (n = 2), cardiovascular risk (n = 4) and weight loss (n = 2). Conclusions The evidence for green tea and cancer risk is inadequate and inconclusive. However there is some positive evidence for risk reduction of breast, prostate, ovarian and endometrial cancers with green tea. RCTs of green tea and cardiovascular risk factors suggest that green tea may reduce low-density lipoproteins and total cholesterol, although studies are of short duration. There is no robust evidence to support a reduction in coronary artery disease risk in green tea drinkers. There are a considerable number of RCTs to suggest that green tea does reduce body weight in the short term, but this not likely to be of clinical relevance.
Green tea: A promising natural product in oral health
Author: Baruch Narotzki and Abraham Z. Reznick and Dror Aizenbud and Yishai Levy
Green tea is a leading beverage in the Far East for thousands of years; it is regarded for a long time as a health product. Green tea is important source of polyphenol antioxidants. Polyphenols including epigallocatechin 3 gallate (EGCG) constitute the most interesting components in green tea leaves. Green tea has the potential to protect against various malignant, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. There is a growing body of evidence pointing a beneficial role of green tea and its polyphenols in oral health. Green tea protects against bacterial induced dental caries. Tea polyphenols possess antiviral properties, believed to help in protection from influenza virus. Additionally, green tea polyphenols can abolish halitosis through modification of odorant sulphur components. Oral cavity oxidative stress and inflammation, consequent to cigarette smoking and cigarettes’ deleterious compounds nicotine and acrolein, may be reduced in the presence of green tea polyphenols. Generally, green tea defends healthy cells from malignant transformation and locally has the ability to induce apoptosis in oral cancer cells. All together, there is an increasing interest in the health benefits of green tea in the field of oral health. Nonetheless, there is still a need for more clinical and biological studies to support guidelines for green tea intake as part of prevention and treatment of specific oral pathologies.
Simultaneous determination of cyflumetofen and its main metabolite residues in samples of plant and animal origin using multi-walled carbon nanotubes in dispersive solid-phase extraction and ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spe
ctrometry
Author: Minmin Li and Xingang Liu and Fengshou Dong and Jun Xu and Zhiqiang Kong and Yuanbo Li and Yongquan Zheng
A rapid and effective method for the simultaneous determination of cyflumetofen and its main metabolite residues in samples of plant and animal origin (tomato, apple, eggplant, soybean, green tea, fish, and pork liver) was developed using ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). Samples were extracted with acetonitrile and cleaned-up with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The determination of the presence of target compounds was achieved in less than 4.0 min using an electrospray ionization source in the positive mode (ESI+) for cyflumetofen and 2-(trifluoromethyl) benzamide (B-3) and the negative mode (ESI−) for α,α,α-trifluoro-o-toluic acid (B-1). The entire method was validated by evaluating the repeatability, linearity, precision, trueness, and matrix effect. Average recoveries of the analytes were in the range of 79.3–117.6% with relative standard deviation values below 7.6%. Limits of quantification (LOQs) ranged from 0.7 to 9.8 μg kg−1, which were lower than the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for the cyflumetofen found in foods in Japan.
Influence of natural and synthetic metalloproteinase inhibitors on bonding durability of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to dentin
Author: T.M.A. Monteiro and R.T. Basting and C.P. Turssi and F.M.G. França and F.L.B. Amaral
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of natural (green tea (Camellia sinensis) GT) and synthetic (chlorhexidine-CLX) metalloproteinase inhibitors on the microtensile bond strength (µTBS) of an etch-and-rinse adhesive to dentin, after 24 h and 6 months of water storage (WS). Thirty human dentin specimens were conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s, rinsed for the same amount of time and dried gently. They were then divided into 3 groups, according to the solution to be applied to the dentin surface (n=10): GT, 2% CLX, or NT (none, as control). CLX and GT solution (20 μl) were applied for 60 s and dried gently with absorbent paper. The adhesive system (Adper Single Bond 2, 3M ESPE) was then applied according to the manufacturer's instructions, and a 4-mm composite resin block was built. After 24 h, at 37 °C, resin–dentin blocks were sectioned into 1-mm2 sticks that were assigned into two µTBS test conditions: after being stored in water for 24 h or after 6 months. Data were submitted to repeated-measures two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test, with a 5% significance level. The failure pattern was described in percentage terms. The results showed that the µTBS values in the NT group were significantly higher compared to the GT values. The application of CLX resulted in intermediate µTBS values, which were not statistically different from NT or GT. There was no significant difference between the µTBS values in the two time points of analysis for CLX and GT groups while the NT group showed a significant decrease over time. After 6 months of WS, all groups had µTBS values statistically similar among themselves. It can be concluded that in a short-term evaluation, chlorhexidine showed no interference on bond strength to dentin, while green tea did. After a long-term evaluation, both metalloproteinase inhibitors, chlorhexidine and green tea, were capable of maintaining bond strength stability.
Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate shows therapeutic antioxidative effects in a murine model of colitis
Author: Markus Brückner and Sabine Westphal and Wolfram Domschke and Torsten Kucharzik and Andreas Lügering
Background and aims: Leukocyte infiltration, up-regulation of proinflammatory cytokines and severe oxidative stress caused by increased amounts of reactive oxygen species are characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease. The catechin (2R,3R)-2-(3,4,5-Trihydroxyphenyl)-3,4-dihydro-1(2H)-benzopyran-3,5,7-triol-3-(3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoate), named epigallocatechin-3-gallate, EGCG, has been demonstrated to exert anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties, reducing reactive oxygen species in the inflamed tissues. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic effects of EGCG in a murine model of colitis induced by oral administration of dextran sodium sulfate. Methods: Mice received a daily oral administration of 6.9 mg/kg body weight EGCG or Piper nigrum (L.) alkaloid (2E,4E)-5-(1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-piperidin-1-ylpenta-2,4-dien-1-one, named piperine (2.9 mg/kg body weight) or the combination of the both — piperine was used in this combination to enhance the bioavailability of EGCG. Results:In vivo data revealed the combination of EGCG and piperine to significantly reduce the loss of body weight, improve the clinical course and increase overall survival in comparison to untreated groups. The attenuated colitis was associated with less histological damages to the colon and reduction of tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde, the final product of lipid peroxidation. Neutrophils accumulation indicator myeloperoxidase was found to be reduced in colon tissue, while antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase showed an increased activity. In vitro, the treatment with EGCG plus piperine enhanced the expression of SOD as well as GPO and also reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Conclusion: These data support the concept of anti-inflammatory properties of EGCG being generally beneficial in the DSS-model of colitis, an effect that may be mediated by its strong antioxidative potential.