Green Tea Compounds, Reduce Damage of Rheumatoid Arthritis
An ingredient in green tea may benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis, suggests new research from the University of Michigan.
Green tea contains powerful anti-inflammatory compound, called epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, that inhibits the production of several molecules that contribute to inflammation and joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis, the study found.
EGCG also suppresses inflammatory products in the connective tissue of people with rheumatoid arthritis, the researchers reported.
Scientists isolated certain cells, called “fibroblasts” in the whole tissue and then incubated in the culture medium with the compound of green tea.
It stimulates the fibroblasts with an immune system protein that plays an important role in the destruction caused by the common feature of rheumatoid arthritis, so the researchers tested the compound in green tea may block the activity of two molecules that also participate actively in the erosion of the bones in the joints of people suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.
Furthermore, halting the production of prostaglandin E2, a hormone similar to the substance contributes to joint inflammation.
The results provide a solid foundation for future testing of green tea compounds in humans with rheumatoid arthritis, says Salah Uddin Ahmed researcher with the research of the Division of Rheumatology at the Health System UM.