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Health News Archive 636 - Skin
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Green Tea Reduces UVB-Induced Skin Tumors

Researchers investigated whether epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) can support the health of sun-exposed skin. In a meta-analysis, scientists searched the medical literature for studies that investigated the photoprotective efficacy of green tea polyphenols against ultraviolet-induced carcinogenesis known as photocarcinogenesis. The reviewers concluded that oral administration of green tea polyphenols in drinking water or the topical application of EGCG prevents UVB-induced skin tumor development in mice.

The researchers also concluded that the mechanism of action behind green tea’s effects includes the ability to initiate DNA repair and the ability to inhibit the suppressed immunity that occurs after excessive exposure to sunlight. In addition, green tea inhibits angiogenesis, the development of new blood vessels that feed cancer cells.

According to the researchers, “New mechanistic information strongly supports and explains the chemopreventive activity of green tea polyphenols against photocarcinogenesis.”

Source: Suchitra Kativar, Craig A Elmets, Santosh K Katiyar. Green tea and skin cancer: photoimmunology, angiogenesis and DNA repair. The Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry. 2007 May 18 (5):287-296.

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