Green Tea May Help Protect Bladder

Washington, May 21 (ANI):
A recent research has found that green tea could prove helpful in treating inflammatory bladder diseases.

The study, conducted by The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, looked at the ability of herbal agents to protect bladder cells from inflammation. .The study being presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in Anaheim, Calif., found that constituents of green tea protected bladder cells from injury in culture.

Green tea, reported to have many health advantages, is rich in potent antioxidants that make it a potential cure for many medical conditions. It consists of catechins, plant metabolites that supply it with many anti-oxidative properties.

"We discovered that catechins found in green tea protected both normal and cancerous bladder cells from inflammation when we exposed the cells to hydrogen peroxide. Although further studies are needed, these results indicate herbal supplements from green tea could be a treatment option for various bladder conditions that are caused by injury or inflammation," said Michael B. Chancellor, M.D., professor of urology and gynecology at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

In the study, regular and cancerous bladder cells were exposed to two major catechin components of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and epicatechin gallate (ECG), for 23 hours.

Both considerably protected cell lines from exposure to hydrogen peroxide, which damages or kills cells. The concentrations of EGCG and ECG used in the study were at levels that may be attained through dietary intake.

Roughly ten million American adults have problems controlling their bladders. Bladder disease affects both men and women and can comprise incontinence or interstitial cystitis, a chronic inflammatory state that causes recurrent, urgent and painful urination and pelvic discomfort. (ANI)
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