Our new look for the new year! It combines ease of navigation with what we feel is a pretty attractive site and newsletter. What we haven't changed are our excellent teas (although we have added a few new ones)... Lots of new medical research this month:
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American Association for Cancer Research — Concentrated chemicals derived from green tea dramatically boosted production of a group of key detoxification enzymes in people with low levels of these beneficial proteins, according to researchers at Arizona Cancer Center. These findings, published in the August issue of Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, a journal of the American Association for Cancer Research, suggest that a green tea concentrate might help some people strengthen their metabolic defense against toxins capable of causing cancer. In a study of 42 people, the concentrate -- composed of chemicals known as green tea catechins in amounts equal to that found in 8-16 cups of green tea -- boosted production of the enzymes, which belong to the glutathione S-transferase (GST) family, by as much as 80 percent in some participants. GST enzymes are believed to be crucial to the body's defense against cancer-causing chemicals and other toxins, according to the study's lead investigator, H.-H. Sherry Chow, Ph.D., a research associate professor at the University of Arizona. They modify the cancer-causing molecules that would otherwise damage cellular DNA, thus rendering them inert. "They actually convert known carcinogens to non-toxic chemicals, and studies have shown a correlation between deficient expression of these enzymes and increased risk of developing some cancers," Chow said. "Expression of this enzyme varies dramatically in people due to genetic variation and environmental factors," Chow added. "Green tea catechins somehow increase gene expression of these enzymes, which can be an advantage to people with low levels to start with." Green tea has long been of interest to researchers given studies that have shown populations in which it is often consumed, such as the Chinese and Japanese, generally have lower rates of cancer. To find out if green tea can protect against cancer, the NCI has sponsored a number of rigorous scientific studies testing capsules of the extract, Polyphenon E, that have been prepared in Japan to meet exact specifications. These pills contain epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a catechin known for its potent antioxidant activity, and are currently being tested against a variety of cancers in clinical trials. This study was designed to see if green tea catechin concentrate had any effect on the levels of GST enzymes in healthy individuals research that could explain the tea's anti-cancer properties. Healthy volunteers were asked to abstain from consuming any tea or tea-related products for four weeks. At the end of this "washout period," blood was drawn and baseline GST enzyme levels were determined for each participant. Then, the volunteers were asked to take four Polyphenon E capsules, for a total of 800 milligrams of EGCG, each morning on an empty stomach for four weeks and to abstain from drinking tea or eating many cruciferous vegetables, which contain other beneficial chemicals. Another blood sample was taken after four weeks, and GST activity was determined. Researchers found that use of Polyphenon E enhanced GST activity when data from all participants were included for analysis. But it had its most significant effect in volunteers whose baseline blood measurements showed low GST activity -- an 80 percent increase compared to baseline GST activity. Activity did not change in volunteers with medium GST expression, or in those with the highest levels, GST seemed to decrease slightly although researchers believe that decline was due to random variation. "This is the first clinical study to show proof that chemicals in green tea can increase detoxification enzymes in humans," Chow said. "There may be other mechanism in play by which green tea may protect against cancer development, but this is a good place to start."
Green tea may hold promise as a new treatment for psoriasis and other inflammatory skin conditions, including dandruff and lupus-related skin lesions, according to a U.S. study.
Medical College of Georgia researchers found that green tea slowed the growth of skin cells in rodents genetically predisposed to psoriasis. The findings were published in the Aug. 18 issue of the journal Experimental Dermatology. "Psoriasis, an autoimmune disease, causes the skin to become thicker, because the growth of skin cells is out of control," lead investigator Dr. Stephen Hsu, an oral biologist in the MCG School of Dentistry, explained in a statement. "In psoriasis, immune cells, which usually protect against infection, instead trigger the release of cytokines, which causes inflammation and the overproduction of skin cells." Previous research has shown green tea helps suppress inflammation. Hsu and his colleagues suggested green tea helps treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin diseases by regulating the expression of Caspase-14, a protein in genes that regulates the life cycle of skin cells. "That marker guides cells by telling them when to differentiate, die off and form a skin barrier. In people with psoriasis, that process is interrupted, and the skin cells don't die before more are created and the resulting lesions form," Hsu said.
L-theanine, an amino acid found in tea plants, is responsible for the unique flavor of green tea. This compound is said to promote relaxation and modify the stimulating effects of the caffeine present in green tea. Some research has suggested that L-theanine has calming effects. In one study, young women were given either water, 50 mg of L-theanine or 200 mg of L-theanine once a week. Afterward, their brain waves were measured. Those who received the highest dose (200 mg) produced more alpha waves, an indication of increased relaxation, about 40 minutes after getting the L-theanine. Results of this study were published in the June 1999 issue of Trends in Food Science & Technology. However, more research will be needed to confirm the findings. advertisement Other studies, including animal studies, have suggested that L-theanine has an anti-cancer effect, may enhance learning in animals and lowers blood pressure in hypertensive rats. But none of these benefits has been demonstrated in humans. As far as combating anxiety is concerned, I recommend breathing exercises, which are the most effective and fastest-acting method I know. Aerobic exercise is also helpful, and I would recommend avoiding caffeine because its stimulating effects can heighten anxiety. You also might try tincture of passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), which is mildly relaxing. The dose is one dropperful in a little water, up to four times a day, as needed. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is more powerful - use a capsule of the standardized extract only as needed. For the calming and relaxing benefits of L-theanine, I recommend drinking green tea in moderation rather than taking a supplement. If you find the tea too stimulating, look for a decaffeinated form.
Use of green tea extract and a mushroom extract may suppress progression or invasiveness of metastatic breast cancer, A study published in the April 2007 issue of International Journal of Oncology suggests. The study found green tea extract increased the anticancer effect of an extract of Ganoderma lucidum, a mushroom that is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine to promote health, longevity and treatment of cancer, on cell proliferation and colony formation of breast cancer cells. Green tea by itself has been associated with reduced risk of a number of cancers in early epidemiologic studies. Much research has also been done on the anticancer effect of Ganoderma lucidum. The study by Thyagarajan A, Zhu J and Sliva D from Methodist Research Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana found the effect was mediated by the down regulation of expression of oncogene c-myc in MDA-MB-231 cells. Both extracts independently inhibited adhesion, migration and invasion of MDA-MB -231 cells, but they have a synergistic effect mediated by the suppression of secretion of urokinase plasminogen activator from breast cancer cells. The researchers concluded "Our study suggests the potential use of combined green tea and G. lucidum extracts for the suppression of growth and invasiveness of metastatic breast cancers." REFERENCE:
1 lb unsalted butter (room temperature) Makes 9 dozen small cookies Cream butter in the bowl of an electric standing mixer using the paddle attachment; add confectioner's sugar and salt. |
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