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 injected mice with an antioxidant called epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) found in green tea and discovered that this substance reduced 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 seen in human Alzheimer’s patients. A few months after the injection, the plaques in the mice’s brains were reduced by up to 54%. According to other studies, EGCG also has the potential to prevent certain cancers and inhibit the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus.
The discovery of EGCG’s effects could aid scientists in producing tea with high levels of EGCG specifically for Alzheimer’s patients.
According to this research, Alzheimer’s patients require 1,500 to 1,600 mg of EGCG daily to improve their condition. However, regular green tea may not enhance memory in Alzheimer’s patients, as other components in this beverage could negate the benefits of EGCG.
