Cancer Preventive Effects of Green Tea Polyphenols

Epidemiological studies have shown that the consumption of green tea is associated with the prevention of many types of cancer, including breast, lung, colon and prostate cancers. Polyphenols are major bioactive constituents of green tea that possess anticancer activities. The molecular basis of the anticancer effects of green tea polyphenols is still under investigation. Research is largely focused on particular types of cancers and their underlying mechanisms. Green tea polyphenols appear to prevent many types of cancers through numerous mechanisms, including redox reactivity, protein binding, and synergism with commonly used cancer therapies. The variable results of chemoprevention by green tea polyphenols may be due, in part, to differences in metabolism of these bioactive components. Studies in this area are largely focused on understanding and modulating the bioavailability of green tea polyphenols. Until the bioavailability and toxicological issues of these compounds are better understood, a moderate view regarding their consumption is suggested.