Drinking Tea Might Delay Alzheimer's Disease
Drinking tea appears to affect the brain in a similar way as
drugs prescribed for Alzheimer's disease, UK researchers report.
The team, based at Newcastle University's Medicinal Plant
Research Centre, investigated the properties of green and black
tea, as well as coffee, in a series of laboratory experiments.
Their study was published in the August 2004 edition of
Phytotherapy Research.
The results showed that both green and black tea inhibited the
activity of enzymes associated with the development of
Alzheimer's disease. Coffee, however, had no significant effect.
The teas inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase -- the
same mechanism of action used by drugs such as Novartis' Exelon
and Pfizer's Aricept. The teas also hindered the activity of the
butyrylcholinesterase, which has been found in senile plaques in
the brains of Alzheimer's disease patients. Green tea obstructed
the activity of beta-secretase, which also plays a role in the
production of senile plaques, and is the focus of research by
companies such as Ireland's Elan.
"Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, tea could
potentially be another weapon in the armoury which is used to
treat this disease and slow down its development," lead
researcher, Dr. Ed Okello, said. However, he added that there is
no published evidence showing that rates of Alzheimer's disease
are any lower in tea-loving countries such as Britain, China and
Japan.
The researchers are seeking funds to find out which components
of green tea inhibit the activity
of the three enzymes and hope ultimately to develop a medicinal
tea for Alzheimer's disease patients.
Source:
Phytotherapy Research, August 2004.
Key concepts: green tea, Alzheimer's disease
