[Anti-cancer properties epigallocatechin-gallate contained in green tea]

Numerous in vivo and in vitro studies point to the possibility of using green tea's catechins in chemoprevention of cancer. Recent studies show the inhibitory effects of epigallocatechin gallate on the growth of existing tumors including breast cancer, skin cancer and gastrointestinal tract cancers. Another mode of action of biologically active compounds in green tea involves inhibiting the neoplastic process. All these mechanisms may be useful in prevention and inhibition of the cancer processes (initiation, promotion and progress) by the consumption of green tea. However, clinical studies show contradictory results. Several independent factors, such as the temperature of the beverage, the duration of consumption, the amount of consumed tea and the diet used by the analyzed group, have a decisive effect on the final effect of plant polyphenols on the process of carcinogenesis.