Research findings from the University of South Florida (USA) published in the journal “Neuroscience” on September 20 indicate that green tea contains a component that may help combat Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists administered an antioxidant known as epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), found in green tea, to mice and discovered that this substance reduces the production of beta-amyloid, a protein that forms plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s patients.
These experimental mice were genetically engineered to develop memory loss similar to that of humans with Alzheimer’s disease. A few months after the injection, the plaques covering the mice’s brains decreased by up to 54%. According to other studies, EGCG also has the potential to prevent certain types of cancer and inhibit the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus.
The discovery of EGCG’s effects could assist scientists in producing high-EGCG content tea specifically for Alzheimer’s patients.
According to this study, Alzheimer’s patients require 1,500 to 1,600 mg of EGCG daily to improve their condition. However, drinking regular green tea may not enhance memory for Alzheimer’s patients, possibly because other components in the beverage may negate the benefits of EGCG.