Green tea 'can block cancer'

[Guest guest]

Taken from BBC News: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/3125469.stm

 

Green tea's ability to fight cancer is even more potent and varied

than scientists suspected, research suggests.

Scientists already know that green tea contains anti-oxidants which

may have a protective effect against cancer.

 

But now they have discovered that chemicals in the tea also shut

down a key molecule which can play a significant role in the

development of cancer.

 

The molecule, known as the aryl hydrocarbon (AH) receptor, has the

ability to activate genes - but not always in a positive way.

 

Tobacco smoke and dioxins, in particular, disrupt the functioning of

the molecule and cause it to trigger potentially harmful gene

activity.

 

The researchers, from Rochester University, found that two chemicals

in green tea inhibit AH activity.

 

Similar compounds

 

Both chemicals are similar to compounds called flavonoids, which are

found in broccoli, cabbage, grapes and red wine, and which are also

known to help prevent cancer.

 

Researcher Professor Thomas Gasiewicz said: " Green tea may work

differently than we thought to exert its anti-cancer activity.

 

" It's likely that the compounds in green tea act through many

different pathways. "

 

The Rochester team showed that the chemicals shut down the AH

receptor in cancerous mouse cells.

 

Early results indicate the same is true in human cells.

 

However, the scientists say that the results in the laboratory do

not necessarily translate to everyday life as the crucial factor is

how green tea is broken down inside the body.

 

In addition, there are a lot of differences between various types of

green tea.

 

Dr Julie Sharp, a science information office at Cancer Research UK,

said: " This research describes additional properties of green tea

that may be beneficial but which have yet to be tested properly.

 

" The causes of cancer are complex and both diet and our genetic make-

up act together to influence our risk of developing the disease.

 

" Cancer Research UK is currently involved in a large-scale study of

diet and health that is researching the eating habits of over half a

million people in 10 European countries to try and help unravel this

complexity. "

 

Research has also suggested that green tea may help to reduce the

risk of rheumatoid arthritis and to lower cholesterol levels.

 

The research is published in the journal Chemical Research in

 

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