Epigallocatechin gallate, found in green tea, is thought to target many signaling pathways involved in the growth of uterine fibroids.
- Epigallocatechin gallate, a compound in green tea, is said to reduce levels of fibronectin, a matrix protein that promotes the growth of fibroids, by 46% to 52%.
- It also disrupted pathways involved in fibroid tumor cell movement, signaling and metabolism.
- The researchers also observed an 86% decrease in connective tissue growth factor proteins.
Progestins, analgesics, hysterectomy… In the case of uterine fibroids, several drugs or interventions are prescribed to relieve the symptoms. In previous research, scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine revealed that epigallocatechin gallate, a compound in green tea with powerful antioxidant properties, was used as an experimental treatment for these benign tumors that developed from the muscle of the uterus. “A clinical trial has shown it to be effective in reducing the size of fibroids and the symptoms associated with them. However, its mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated”, they indicated.
Identify the biochemical mechanisms responsible for the action of green tea on fibroid cells
That’s why researchers conducted a study to examine the effects of epigallocatechin gallate on fibroid cells. For the purposes of the work, they used laboratory cultures of uterine fibroids taken from living patients. Next, the team analyzed fibronectin, a matrix protein, cyclin D1, a protein involved in cell division, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) protein. These cells were dosed with 100 micromoles per liter of epigallocatechin gallate in the growth medium for 24 hours, and then a laboratory technique used to detect a specific protein in a blood or tissue sample was performed.
Uterine fibroid: compound in green tea disrupts signaling pathways involved in growth
According to the results, published in the journal Scientific Reports, the green tea compound reduced fibronectin levels by 46% to 52%, compared to a control group of untreated fibroid cells. Another observation: an 86% decrease in connective tissue growth factor proteins. “Treatment with epigallocatechin gallate also altered the activation of signaling pathways involved in fibroid growth, particularly the extracellular matrix (the network of macromolecules and minerals in tissues that support cells but are not part of them). “, can we read in the searches.
“Epigallocatechin gallate supplements to relieve symptoms”
“Epigallocatechin gallate supplements may be a natural and easily accessible way to relieve symptoms and slow the growth of fibroids,” said Md Soriful Islam, author of the study in a statement. Although the results are promising, the scientists caution that further research is needed and that patients should not attempt to take green tea supplements without medical advice. Future work on epigallocatechin gallate will determine the optimal doses as well as the potential side effects of this supplementation.
