Green Tea and Cervical Cancer

According to the European Journal of Cancer Prevention extracts from green tea may be useful for treating the precancerous cells of dysplasia. The human papilloma virus (HPV) plays a role in nearly all cervical cancer development. There are over 100 types of HPV; however, only a few strains of HPV have been linked to the development of cervical cancer.

 

Pap smears provide a means of early detection of cervical cancer. When abnormal cells are found on the cervix, a biopsy, a small sample of cells from the cervix is taken to confirm the diagnosis. Precancerous areas, called cervical dysplasia, are usually surgically removed. Without early treatment, about 50% of cervical dysplasia progresses to cancer.

 

Green tea contains substances that are high in anti-oxidants called catechins that are shown to inhibit the growth of many types of cancers. Polyphenols, the beneficial compounds in green tea are responsible for its anticancer effects. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most effective of the polyphenols at inhibiting cancer growth and can actually induce the death (apoptosis) of cancer cells.

 

The new study evaluated the effect of green tea extracts on cervical lesions. Eighty-eight women with either chronic abnormal inflammation of the cervix or mild to severe cervical dysplasia took part in the evaluation.

 

After the 12 week evaluation, biopsies of cervical tissue were taken. The before and after treatment Pap smears were compared and an HPV DNA indicator of the severity of HPV infection were also measured before and after treatment.

The study showed that 69% of the women treated with green tea extracts had a positive response compared with 10% of the women not receiving treatment. That is either they exhibited a decrease or complete elimination of HPV, a decrease in the size of the area of abnormal cervical cells, or the elimination of abnormal cells as detected on Pap smear or biopsy. All of the green tea preparations yielded a similar positive response.

 

 

Green tea extracts appear to be safe and should be considered for the treatment of precancerous cervical conditions. As with any medical treatment this therapy should be used only under the supervision and advice of your medical doctor so that results can be monitored to insure a positive outcome.

 

 

 

from an article by; Kimberly Beauchamp, ND, Naturopathic Medicine, Dr. Beauchamp teaches holistic medicine classes.