Green tea may reduce risk of developing bladder inflammation

May 22 2007

According to a new study the antioxidants found in green tea may reduce the risk of developing bladder inflammation.

Bladder inflammation has been linked to incontinence and cystitis, a condition that results in recurring bladder infections and pain in the surrounding pelvic region; it is a common infection in women and causes both pain and embarrassment to many.

It is being reported that consuming green tea may reduce your risk of developing bladder inflammation.

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSM) say the antioxidants found in green tea are helpful in protecting bladder cells from inflammation.

In a new study where normal and cancerous bladder cells were exposed to two major catechin components of green tea: epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, and epicatechin gallate, or ECG, for 23 hours the research team discovered that the catechins protected both normal and cancerous bladder cells from inflammation when they were exposed to hydrogen peroxide.

Dr. Michael B. Chancellor, a professor of urology and gynecology at UPSM says though further studies are needed to confirm the results the indications are that herbal supplements from green tea could be a treatment option for various bladder conditions that are caused by injury or inflammation.

The research was presented at the meeting of the American Urological Association (AUA) in Anaheim.