Green tea capsules to treat cold and flu symptoms
Researchers from the University of Florida at Gainesville report it’s a safe and effective dietary supplement to reduce your risk of cold and flu symptoms.
And there’s more.
First, the details.
- Healthy adults were randomly assigned to take Camellia sinensis (green tea) capsules or a placebo twice a day for 3 months.
- The volunteers kept a daily log of cold and flu symptoms including fever, runny nose, stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, headache, diarrhea, and nausea.
- Neither the adults nor the researchers knew which treatment they were given.
And, the results.
Among subjects taking the green tea capsules?
- 32% fewer people with symptoms
- 23% fewer overall illnesses of at least 2 days duration
- 36% fewer days with symptom
- These differences were significant compared to those taking placebo.
- Also, gamma-delta T cells from those taking the green tea extract increased 28%.
- And they secreted 26% more gamma interferon compared to the gamma-delta T cells from the volunteers taking placebo.
- Again, significant differences.
The bottom line?
In addition to symptom control, this product might help gamma delta T cells generate a primary immune response to certain microorganisms.
Dr. Melissa McCarty from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington says that in addition to all the other recommendations, “you might also consider drinking a lot of green tea — or supplementing with a green tea extract, such as the one used in this study.”
12/5/07 20:47 JR
