You definitely need tools!
Perfect coldbrew everytime
The ideal way to store your matcha
The ideal way to store your matcha
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
Recent Research Papers on
mental-health
Sensitization of Listeria innocua to inorganic and organic acids by natural antimicrobials
Author: Giselle Lehrke and Laura Hernaez and Sandra L. Mugliaroli and Mariana von Staszewski and Rosa J. Jagus
Acid tolerance of two strains of Listeria innocua as single strain culture and co-culture, were evaluated in liquid cheese whey after exposure to nisin, Microgard™ and green tea. Inorganic and organic acids were applied after natural antimicrobials treatments and microbial counts were made to analyze the bacterial response. The results have demonstrated that natural antimicrobials like nisin, Microgard™ and green tea, present in the liquid cheese whey, did not produce any cross-protection effects. On the contrary, in most of the cases, the antimicrobial treatment increased the susceptibility of L. innocua to acid stress, particularly in the treatment with nisin or green tea extract and organic acids. These results were corroborated by different techniques, including transmission electron microscopy.
In vitro protective effects of colon-available extract of Camellia sinensis (tea) against hydrogen peroxide and beta-amyloid (Aβ(1–42)) induced cytotoxicity in differentiated PC12 cells
Author: E.J. Okello and G.J. McDougall and S. Kumar and C.J. Seal
There is mounting evidence that the deposition and aggregation of β-amyloid peptides (Aβ) in the brain play a significant role in the development and pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease. There is further evidence that free radical species such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) mediate Aβ induced toxicity. Previous studies have demonstrated that green tea polyphenols possess neuroprotective properties through their ability to ameliorate oxidative stress induced by free radical species. Green tea polyphenols have also been shown to enhance cognition in various animal models of induced cognitive impairment. Upon ingestion, green tea polyphenols are metabolised and undergo bio-transformation which affects their bioavailability and therefore efficacy. In this study, a green tea extract was subjected to a simulated gastrointestinal digestion and a ‘colon-available’ extract (CAGTE) prepared and assessed for its potential protective effects against H2O2 and Aβ(1–42) induced cytotoxicity using differentiated PC12 cells (dPC12) as a model for neuronal cells. CAGTE represents green tea phytochemicals potentially available after upper gastrointestinal digestion. CAGTE which was depleted in flavan-3-ols, as shown by LC–MS analysis, protected dPC12 cells at concentration ranges of 0.3–10 μg/ml and 0.03–0.125 μg/ml for H2O2 and Aβ(1–42), induced cytotoxicity, respectively. At high concentrations, CAGTE exhibited direct anti-proliferative effects, in line with the reputed anti-cancer properties of green tea polyphenols. These results demonstrate that potentially bioavailable green tea metabolites are able to ameliorate both H2O2 and Aβ(1–42) induced cytotoxicity.
Amelioration of behavioral aberrations and oxidative markers by green tea extract in valproate induced autism in animals
Author: David Banji and Otilia J.F. Banji and Saidulu Abbagoni and Md. Sikinder Hayath and Srilatha Kambam and Vijaya Lakshmi Chiluka
Exposure to toxicants prenatally and postnatally could have deleterious consequences on the offspring. Postnatal exposure to valproate in mice pups is capable of inducing experimental autism resulting in neurobehavioral aberrations. Consumption of green tea has been associated with neuronal protection against the impact of toxicants. We investigated the role of green tea extract in reversing cardinal behavioral changes and aberrations in oxidative stress induced by valproate exposure. Young mice of both genders received a single dose of valproate (400 mg/kg subcutaneously) on postnatal day 14 followed by a daily dose of green tea extract (75 and 300 mg/kg) orally up to postnatal day 40. Mice pups were subjected to behavioral testing to assess motor co-ordination, nociceptive response, locomotion, anxiety, exploratory activity and cognition on various postnatal days up to postnatal day 40. At the end of behavioral testing, blood was withdrawn from the retro orbital plexus for the estimation of lipid peroxides. Animals were sacrificed on postnatal day 41 and whole brain was subjected to histopathological examination. Our studies revealed a significant improvement in behavioral assessments particularly with 300 mg/kg of green tea extract. Formation of markers of oxidative stress was reduced at both dose levels. Histological findings confirm the neuroprotective effect of green tea at a dose of 300 mg/kg. In conclusion it can be stated that green tea exerts neuronal cytoprotective action possibly due to anti-oxidant action and could be efficacious in the management of autism.
Green tea epigallocatechin gallate enhances therapeutic efficacy of temozolomide in orthotopic mouse glioblastoma models
Author: Thomas C. Chen and Weijun Wang and Encouse B. Golden and Simmy Thomas and Walavan Sivakumar and Florence M. Hofman and Stan G. Louie and Axel H. Schönthal
The alkylating agent temozolomide, in combination with surgery and radiation, is the current standard of care for patients with glioblastoma. However, despite this extensive therapeutic effort, the inclusion of temozolomide extends survival only by a few short months. Among the factors contributing to chemoresistance is elevated expression of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone GRP78 (glucose-regulated protein 78; BiP), a key pro-survival component of the ER stress response system. Because the green tea component EGCG (epigallocatechin 3-gallate) had been shown to inhibit GRP78 function, we investigated whether this polyphenolic agent would be able to increase the therapeutic efficacy of temozolomide in preclinical models of glioblastoma. Mice with intracranially implanted human U87 (p53 wild type) or U251 (p53 mutant) glioblastoma cells were treated with temozolomide and EGCG, alone and in combination. We found that EGCG alone did not provide survival benefit, but significantly improved the existing therapeutic effect of temozolomide, i.e., life extension was substantially greater under combination therapy as compared to temozolomide therapy alone. Immunohistochemical analysis of tumor tissue revealed increased expression levels of GRP78 in temozolomide-treated animals, which was diminished when temozolomide was combined with EGCG. Parallel in vitro experiments with siRNA targeting GRP78 or its major pro-apoptotic antagonist CHOP (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein homologous protein/GADD153) further established a critical role of the ER stress response system, where si-GRP78 sensitized cells to treatment with temozolomide, and si-CHOP provided protection from drug-induced toxicity. Thus, ER stress-regulatory components affect the chemotherapeutic response of glioblastoma cells to treatment with temozolomide, and inclusion of EGCG is able to increase the therapeutic efficacy of this DNA-damaging agent.
Consumption of green tea or green tea products: Is there an evidence for antioxidant effects from controlled interventional studies?
Author: S. Ellinger and N. Müller and P. Stehle and G. Ulrich-Merzenich
Purpose Epidemiological data suggest that green tea (GT) consumption may protect against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and different types of cancer. This effect is attributed primarily to the antioxidant properties of flavanols from GT. This review provides an overview of controlled intervention studies investigating the effect of GT consumption on antioxidant effects ex vivo and in vivo. Methods The Medline and Cochrane databases were searched independently by two investigators for controlled intervention studies (English) on GT consumption and antioxidant effects published up to June 2010. Thirty-one studies investigating antioxidant effects ex vivo [plasma antioxidant capacity (AC), DNA's resistance against oxidative induced damage) or in vivo (lipid and protein oxidation, DNA damage] met the criteria. Results were compared by considering the participants, the dose of GT, the amount of ingested flavanols, the duration of supplementation and the investigated biomarkers. Results The comparison between the studies was difficult as relevant data, e.g., on flavanol concentration in plasma (10 of 31 studies) or on major antioxidants contributing to AC, were often missing. Lipid peroxidation and DNA damage were commonly investigated. Data on protein oxidation are scarce. An antioxidant effect of at least one parameter (increase in AC or reduction of oxidative stress marker) was observed in 15 out of 22 studies by daily consumption of GT, primarily in participants exposed to oxidative stress (smokers or mixed collectives of smokers and non-smokers and physical activity) and in 6 out of 9 studies investigating the bolus consumption of GT. Conclusion There is limited evidence that regular consumption of GT in amounts of at least 0.6–1.5 l/day may increase AC and reduce lipid peroxidation (especially oxidation of LDL). This may contribute to the protection against CVDs and different types of cancer. Beneficial effects seem to be more likely in participants exposed to oxidative challenge.
Supplementation of green tea catechins in dentifrices suppresses gingival oxidative stress and periodontal inflammation
Author: Takayuki Maruyama and Takaaki Tomofuji and Yasumasa Endo and Koichiro Irie and Tetsuji Azuma and Daisuke Ekuni and Naofumi Tamaki and Tatsuo Yamamoto and Manabu Morita
Objective This study examined the effects of a dentifrice containing green tea catechins on gingival oxidative stress and periodontal inflammation using a rat model. Design Twenty-four male Wister rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group (Control group) received no treatment for 8 weeks. Periodontal inflammation was induced in the second group for 8 weeks. Periodontal inflammation was induced in the last two groups for 8 weeks and dentifrices with or without green tea catechins were topically applied to the gingival sulcus daily for 4 weeks prior to the end of the experimental period. Results Rats that had experimental periodontal inflammation showed apical migration of the junctional epithelium, alveolar bone loss and inflammatory cell infiltration in the connective tissue subjacent to the junctional epithelium at 8 weeks, whilst the control group showed no pathologic changes. Topical application of a green tea catechin-containing dentifrice reduced inflammatory cell infiltration in the periodontal lesions to a greater degree than the control dentifrice at 8 weeks. The gingiva in which green tea catechin-containing dentifrice was applied also showed a lower level of expression of hexanoyl-lysine (a marker of lipid peroxidation), nitrotyrosine (a marker of oxidative protein damage), and tumour necrosis factor-α (an indicator of pro-inflammatory cytokines) at 8 weeks compared to gingiva in which the control dentifrice was applied. Conclusions Adding green tea catechins to a dentifrice may contribute to prevention of periodontal inflammation by decreasing gingival oxidative stress and expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Green tea (Camellia sinesis) ameliorates female Schistosoma mansoni-induced changes in the liver of Balb/C mice
Author: Saad M. Bin Dajem and Ali A. Shati and Mohamed A. Adly and Osama M. Ahmed and Essam H. Ibrahim and Osama M.S. Mostafa
This study was designed to assess the effect of green tea, an aqueous extract of Camellia sinensis, on the oxidative stress, antioxidant defense system and liver pathology of Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Green tea at concentration of 3% (w/v) was given orally to treated mice as sole source of drinking water from the end of the 4th week to the end of 10th week post-infection; untreated mice were allowed to drink normal water. The data of the studied S. mansoni-infected mice exhibited a suppression of hepatic total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) activity and glutathione content. The liver lipid peroxidation was deleteriously elevated in S. mansoni-infected mice. The hepatic total protein content, AST and ALT activities were profoundly decreased in the S. mansoni-infected mice. Most hepatocytes were damaged and showed abnormal microscopic appearance with aggressive necrosis. Both total protein and glycogen levels have been greatly reduced as indicated by histochemical examination. The treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with green tea succeeded to suppress oxidative stress by decreasing the lipid peroxides but failed to significantly enhance the antioxidant defense system and deteriorated changes owing to liver damage and necrosis. In consistence with biochemical data, histopathological and histochemical data indicated that treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with green tea could ameliorate hepatocytes thus reduce cellular necrosis and partially restore both total protein and glycogen levels. Thus, the study concluded that the green tea suppresses the oxidative stress through its constituent with free radicals scavenging properties rather than through the endogenous antioxidant defense system.
Green tea consumption, inflammation and the risk of primary hepatocellular carcinoma in a Chinese population
Author: Yanli Li and Shen-Chih Chang and Binh Y. Goldstein and William L. Scheider and Lin Cai and Nai-Chieh Y. You and Heather P. Tarleton and Baoguo Ding and Jinkou Zhao and Ming Wu and Qingwu Jiang and Shunzhang Yu and Jianyu Rao and Qing-Yi Lu and Zuo-Feng Zhang and Lina Mu
Objective: Green tea has been found to possess anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-carcinogenic properties. The present study examines the association between green tea drinking and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its interactions with other risk or protective factors and single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of inflammation and oxidative stress related genes. Methods: A population-based case-control study with 204 primary HCC cases and 415 healthy controls was conducted in Taixing, China. Epidemiological data were collected using a standard questionnaire. SNPs of genes of the inflammation and metabolic pathways were genotyped at the UCLA Molecular Epidemiology Laboratory. Logistic regression was performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: Longer duration and larger quantities of green tea consumption were inversely associated with primary HCC. Individuals who drank green tea longer than 30 years were at lowest risk (adjusted OR = 0.44, 95% CI: 0.19–0.96) compared with non-drinkers. A strong interaction was observed between green tea drinking and alcohol consumption (adjusted OR for interaction = 3.40, 95% CI: 1.26–9.16). Green tea drinking was also observed to have a potential effect modification on HBV/HCV infection, smoking and polymorphisms of inflammation related cytokines, especially for IL-10. Conclusion: Green tea consumption may protect against development of primary HCC. Potential effect modifications of green tea on associations between primary HCC and alcohol drinking, HBV/HCV infection, and inflammation-related SNPs were suggested.
Acute neurocognitive effects of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
Author: Andrew Scholey and Luke A. Downey and Joseph Ciorciari and Andrew Pipingas and Karen Nolidin and Melissa Finn and Melissa Wines and Sarah Catchlove and Alirra Terrens and Emma Barlow and Leanne Gordon and Con Stough
Green tea is reported to have wide ranging beneficial health outcomes across epidemiological studies, which have been attributed to its flavonoid content. We investigated whether the flavonoid epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) modulates brain activity and self-reported mood in a double-blind, placebo controlled crossover study. Participants completed baseline assessments of cognitive and cardiovascular functioning, mood and a resting state electroencephalogram (EEG) before and then 120 min following administration of 300 mg EGCG or matched placebo. EGCG administration was associated with a significant overall increase in alpha, beta and theta activity, also reflected in overall EEG activity, more dominant in midline frontal and central regions, specifically in the frontal gyrus and medial frontal gyrus. In comparison to placebo the EGCG treatment also increased self-rated calmness and reduced self rated stress. This pattern of results suggests that participants in the EGCG condition may have been in a more relaxed and attentive state after consuming EGCG. This is in keeping with the widespread consumption of green tea for its purported relaxing/refreshing properties. The modulation of brain function due to EGCG is deserving of further controlled human studies.
3.352 EFFECTS OF GREEN TEA EXTRACT (GTE) ON HALOPERIDOL (HAL) INDUCED NEUROLEPTIC ANXIETY SYNDROME (NAS) AND PARKINSONISM IN RATS
Author: T. Malik and D.J. Haleem
Introduction: HAL elicits NAS along Parkinsonism. HAL induces c-Fos responsiveness in a distributed anxiety-related neural scheme, selected neuronal population of nucleus accumbens. Mood deficits by HAL metabolically effect via diet restriction that reduced body weight. GTE is known to control appetite and body weight while exerting anxiolytic effects. Aim: The current study testifies the hypothesis that GTE may control HAL elicited NAS with reducing Parkinsonism. Methods: Rats (n=6) were treated with one of the four treatments; oral fluid [water/GTE (1 gm/liter)] plus saline; or oral fluid plus i.p HAL (1 mg/kg/day) administration. Behavioral assessments and neurochemical analysis were performed following six weeks of treatments. Results: suggest that HAL induced decreases in fluid, food intake and growth rate were greater in GTE treated animals. GTE was shown to induce anxiogenic behavior examined in light dark box transitional test but not in fear like exploratory behavior on elevated plus maze and motor deficits on rota rod performance. HAL induced locomotor activity was suppressed, innate aversive and fear like exploratory behaviors were greater in GTE than water drinking animals. HAL induced serotonergic metabolism was increased in the caudate and nucleus accumbens and decreased in the serotonin availability in the rest of the brain regions of GTE treated animals. HAL induced decreased dopamine was increase din the nucleus accumbens of GTE drinking than water drinking animals. Conclusion: Potential mechanism involved in the greater anorexiogenic effects of GTE and greater HAL induced NAS plus Parkinsonism in GTE treated animals is proposed for demonstration in this meeting.
Other Popular Research Topics
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.
Learn More
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.”
Learn More
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.
Learn More
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 More