Major study to test green tea extract against colon cancer
A new trial in Germany is aiming to find out whether green tea can prevent colon cancer. The study will investigate the effects of green tea on the formation and recurrence of colon polyps, sometimes seen as precancerous. According to the authors behind the study, it is the biggest of its kind in the world. It will rely on 3000 participants and results should be available after six years. Scientists will focus on the effects of plant hormone epigallocatechin 3-gallate (EGCG), which was shown to inhibit the formation of tumors of the prostate, breast and uterus. The dosage will be equivalent of about five to ten cups of tea, depending on the method of preparation. The project, which costs 2.1 million ($2.8 million), is entirely sponsored by a German non-profit organisation.