(30-09-07) Green Tea Can Help Protect Your Bones

Green tea, which is already known for its cardiovascular health benefits and anticarcinogenic properties, could also help ease the inflammation and pain associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Rheumatoid arthritis inflames cells called synovial fibroblasts, which form a lining of tissue surrounding the capsule of the joints. The result is long-term joint damage and chronic pain.
Researchers cultured these cells and exposed them to epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a component of green tea. The cells were then stimulated with a protein called cytokine interleukin-1 beta or IL-1B, which is known to play a role in causing joint degradation in rheumatoid arthritis.
An earlier study had already determined that fibroblasts treated with EGCG were better able to block IL-1B's ability to produce damaging proteins and enzymes. The latest research confirms that EGCG also blocks the activity of two molecules, IL-6 and cyclooxygenase-2 (Cox-2), which play a role in breaking down bone. EGCG also blocked the production of prostaglandin E2, which can cause joint inflammation as well.

Source: Washington Post April, News-Medical.net

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