Green tea, rich in antioxidants, has anti-inflammatory effects and alleviates symptoms in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Green tea is a widely consumed beverage around the world. In addition to caffeine, green tea contains the amino acid L-theanine, fluoride, and antioxidants that provide numerous health benefits. Some studies suggest that consuming green tea is beneficial for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
A 2017 study by Washington State University, USA, found that epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin 3-gallate (ECG) in green tea inhibit the inflammatory process, which is a major cause of pain and damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis is characterized by inflammation of the synovial membrane and destruction of tissue in the joints. Activated fibroblast cells cause the synovial membrane to thicken due to increased proliferation. Mononuclear cells and macrophages invade, producing pro-inflammatory cytokines that activate fibroblast cells to produce inflammatory mediators such as IL-6 and IL-8.
High levels of IL-6 lead to systemic inflammation and synovitis, resulting in fibroblast cells releasing enzymes that degrade cartilage and surrounding bone, ultimately leading to complete joint destruction.
EGCG and ECG inhibit the production pathway of inflammatory mediators IL-6 and IL-8 associated with rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, drinking green tea may help reduce symptoms and improve the condition of this disease.
Green tea rich in antioxidants reduces inflammation. (Photo: Mai Cat).
A 2016 study by the Catholic University of Korea also indicated that EGCG in green tea reduces symptoms of arthritis, inhibits bone formation, and increases the number of T cells (immune cells in humans). Consuming EGCG also lowers the arthritis index and offers protective effects against joint destruction in collagen-induced arthritis.
According to a 2011 review by the University of Alabama, USA, based on 10 studies, the mixture of key polyphenolic components found in green tea, including epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin gallate, and epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG), has preventive effects against inflammation-related diseases, including arthritis. EGCG has the potential to protect human cartilage cells from inflammatory responses, showing promise in the treatment and prevention of arthritis.
EGCG reduces pro-inflammatory cytokines, benefiting patients with arthritis. Chronic inflammation is also a cause of tissue remodeling and destruction in arthritis. Thus, reducing inflammation by drinking green tea may prevent disease progression and improve conditions.
According to a 2008 study by Rutgers University, USA, the symptoms of mice with rheumatoid arthritis that drank water infused with green tea extract were less severe compared to mice that drank regular water. Researchers believe that green tea extract is beneficial when used alongside conventional rheumatoid arthritis treatment in humans.
Polyphenolic compounds isolated from green tea are rich in antioxidants such as epicatechin (EC), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin 3-gallate (ECG), and EGCG, which possess anti-inflammatory properties. They have the potential to protect against arthritis.
