That would have to be Polyphenon E.

Polyphenon E is made from decaffeinated green tea, and contains catechins (antioxidants). It’s also called green tea extract.

In November 2006, Polyphenon E Ointment became FDA-approved to treat of external genital and perianal warts.

A summary of the successful clinical study is here.

As often happens after a drug is approved by the FDA, other researchers start studies to evaluate it’s use to treat other conditions.

One area of research in humans is the treatment of prostate cancer. A PubMed search reveals the results of animal studies of urinary bladder and mammary cancers, lung tumors, and stroke.

The bottom line?
It’s another example of CAM making the transition to mainstream medicine.

12/29/07 19:21 JR

Hi, I’m JR

John Russo, Jr., PharmD, is president of The MedCom Resource, Inc. Previously, he was senior vice president of medical communications at www.Vicus.com, a complementary and alternative medicine website.