Need help?
Need help?
icon
icon
Need help?

Explore some of our links below for helpful starting points.

Top questions Questions you may have and where to look for answers.
Request a volunteer guide Have one of our guides help you navigate your way through our site.
I am a .....
Guidance at each phase
I'm in crisis Reducing cancer risk Recently diagnosed Preparing for treatment In active treatment In remission A recurrence Nearing the end of life
Sign up for updates
Sign up for email updates
Top questions

We’re busy updating our review of green tea and EGCG and will provide a rating when that’s complete. While we’re working, we share a summary from our predecessor website, Beyond Conventional Cancer Therapies. The information we share here was last updated in June 2021.

Please consider supporting our update and revision to this information.

Support our work

Green Tea / EGCG

Key Points

  • Before using this therapy, consult your oncology team about interactions with other treatments and therapies. Also make sure this therapy is safe for use with any other medical conditions you may have.
  • The active constituent in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG).
  • BCCT’s interest in green tea and EGCG derives from its protective qualities. Evidence, especially from China, suggests that green tea may protect against cancers of the colon and stomach.
  • Some evidence shows that green tea’s relatively weak anticancer activity increases in combination with anticancer drugs.
  • Drinking green tea appears safe at regular, habitual and moderate use.
  • Green tea use may not be compatible with some conditions and circumstances.

The active constituent in green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The medical effects of drinking green tea have been better studied than those from taking green tea extract or EGCG supplements.

Treating the Cancer

Working against cancer growth or spread, improving survival, or working with other treatments or therapies to improve their anticancer action

Clinical Evidence

Colorectal Cancer
  • Enhanced chemotherapy effects and outcomes: reduced disease progression rate, incidence of adverse events (at least grade 4) and occurrence of increased serum creatinine (an indicator of kidney toxicity) with use of B-6—a combination of fermented soybean extract, green tea extract, Antrodia camphorata mycelia, spirulina, grape seed extract, and curcumin extract—in people with metastatic colorectal cancer when combined with leucovorin, 5-fluorouracil, and oxaliplatin compared to chemotherapy alone1
Head, Neck and Oral Cancers
  • Reduced lesion size after six months among people with oral leukoplakia (premalignant lesions) taking capsules containing green tea extract, green tea polyphenols and black tea polyphenols  compared to those taking a placebo.2
Leukemia
  • Some indications of response were found in case studies and a small uncontrolled clinical trial of EGCG use by patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.3
Lung Cancer
  • No objective tumor responses were found at the maximum tolerated dose in preliminary studies of lung cancer patients.4
Ovarian Cancer
  • Dramatically improved five-year overall survival and progression-free survival, with fewer cancer relapses with ascites, among people with advanced ovarian cancer taking indole-3-carbinol (I3C) or both I3C and EGCG (green tea extract) during treatment with combined surgery and adjuvant platinum-taxane chemotherapy, both with and without neoadjuvant platinum-taxane chemotherapy5
Prostate Cancer
  • Reduced serum levels of PSA, HGF, and VEGF in men with prostate cancer, with no elevation of liver enzymes in men with positive prostate biopsies and scheduled for radical prostatectomy6
  • A trend toward beneficial changes in serum PSA and other markers of metabolic and oxidative status, plus a decrease in Gleason score from biopsy to surgery in men with prostate cancer scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy7
  • No or minimal clinical activity against hormone refractory prostate cancer in a small study8

Lab and Animal Evidence

Click or tap to open.

Managing Side Effects and Promoting Wellness

Managing or relieving side effects or symptoms, reducing treatment toxicity, supporting quality of life or promoting general well-being

  • Improved quality of life, but with no differences in chemotherapy adverse events among people with advanced ovarian cancer taking indole-3-carbinol (I3C) or both I3C and EGCG (green tea extract) during treatment with combined surgery and adjuvant platinum-taxane chemotherapy, both with and without neoadjuvant platinum-taxane chemotherapy32
  • No effect reducing radiation therapy-induced nausea and vomiting in a review of several observational and one randomized trials33

Reducing Risk

Reducing the risk of developing cancer or the risk of recurrence

Clinical Evidence

Moderate evidence shows decreased risk in several cancer types, but increased risk of pancreatic cancer with higher consumption of green tea.

  • High intake may protect against cancers of the colon, esophagus and stomach.34
·       Breast cancer:
  • Reduced risk of both cancer and recurrence in epidemiological studies35
·       Colorectal cancer:
  • In a meta-analysis, high green tea consumption was associated with a moderate overall reduced risk of colorectal cancer. The reduction was significant in women (50 percent reduced risk), but not in men.36 A small pilot study of patients who had had colorectal adenomas removed showed a reduced incidence of metachronous adenomas after taking green tea extract supplements.37
    • EGCG inhibited tumor stem cell proliferation, prevented tumor production, and reduced risk of recurrence after surgery38
    • Green tea extracts prevented the development and progression of precancerous lesions, such as colorectal adenomas,39 and reduced incidence of metachronous adenomas after colorectal adenomas were removed40
  • A study from China found that women tea drinkers had significantly reduced risks of gallbladder cancer. The reduced risk was not significant in men, but a confound with smoking incidence in men could have contributed to this distinction.41
  • A 2011 review and meta-analysis found that green tea consumption was associated with a moderate reduction in risk for primary liver cancer.42
  • Reviews have found that green tea consumption shows a protective effect against lung cancer, particularly among people who had never smoked tobacco.43
  • A large cohort study found no overall association between green tea consumption and oral cancer incidence, although a trend toward reduced incidence in women was seen.44
  • Observational studies show a protective role of green tea on risk of ovarian and endometrial cancers.45 In separate reports, a case-control study in China showed a protective effect of green, black and/or oolong tea consumption against ovarian cancer,46 while a meta-analysis showed the benefits were greater with green tea for endometrial cancer..47
  • Highest green tea consumption compared to no or lowest consumption in Asian studies showed a trend toward lower risk of prostate cancer.48 Green tea catechins reduced development of prostate tumors in men with high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia.49
  • Green tea polyphenols show chemopreventive properties against ultraviolet light (UVB)-induced skin cancer.50 Topical application of EGCG blocked skin cell damage from UVB.51
  • Several reviews of green tea consumption and risk of stomach cancer found a decreased risk in case control studies but not in cohort studies.52

Lab and Animal Evidence

Click or tap to open.

Optimizing Your Terrain

Creating an environment within your body that does not support cancer development, growth or spread

  • Antioxidant62
  • Anti-inflammatory63
  • Antimutagenic (counteracts the effects of mutagens, which cause genetic mutations) and anticarcinogenic64 including reduced instability in chromosomes in noncancerous colon cells65
  • Inhibited VEGF (a substance made by cells that stimulates new blood vessel formation) and other growth factors66
  • Reduced fasting blood glucose in some studies and meta-analyses,67 but not all68

Cautions

Drinking green tea appears safe at regular, habitual and moderate use (three to nine cups per day).69 Side effects usually relate to gastrointestinal effects and nervous system effects from the caffeine in green tea.70

Increased tea intake was associated with an increased risk for esophageal, pancreatic, prostate, and urinary tract cancers plus leukemia in a systematic review.71

Green tea use may not be compatible with some conditions and circumstances such as pregnancy or chemotherapy treatment. In preclinical studies EGCG reduces the effect of the chemotherapy drug bortezomib (Velcade), used primarily in multiple myeloma.72 Other concerning effects in preclinical studies:73

  • Increased toxicity when used in combination with tamoxifen and irinotecan
  • Increased risk of liver toxicity if used with acetaminophen and when taken on an empty stomach
  • Elevated or interfered with liver enzymes; this effect may be reversed if consumption is stopped

Green tea consumption affects the risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women according to the age of onset of tea drinking: green tea is protective against cancer for women who started before age 20 but increases risk for those who started after age 50.74

Green tea/EGCG also interacts with several pharmaceutical drugs and the absorption of iron.75

Further cautions and warnings regarding use of green tea/EGCG are noted.76 Please see Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s About Herbs: Green Tea for more information and seek the advice of a trained health professional if indicated.

Dosing

CancerChoices does not recommend therapies or doses, but only provides information for patients and providers to consider as part of a complete treatment plan. Patients should discuss therapies with their physicians, as contraindications, interactions and side effects must be evaluated. Levels of active ingredients of natural products can vary widely between and even within products. See Quality and Sources of Herbs, Supplements and Other Natural Products.

Specific dosing recommendation are available from these sources:

Integrative Programs, Protocols and Medical Systems

For more information about programs and protocols, see our Integrative Programs and Protocols page.

  • Programs and protocols
  • Alschuler & Gazella complementary approaches77
    • Bladder cancer
    • Brain cancer
    • Breast cancer
    • Colorectal cancer
    • Gastric cancer
    • Head and neck cancer
    • Kidney cancer
    • Leukemia
    • Liver cancer
    • Lung cancer
    • Melanoma
    • Ovarian cancer
    • Pancreatic cancer
    • Prostate cancer
    • Soft tissue sarcomas
    • Detoxification
    • Anti-inflammatory
    • Immune-enhancing
    • Insulin resistance reversal
  • Block program78
    • Surgical support program: angiogenic inhibition
    • Radiation support formula
    • Targeted molecular therapy
    • Anticancer diet plan: antioxidant, blocking tumor-fueling enzymes
    • Combination circulatory support supplement
    • Remission maintenance program: chemopreventive
  • Lemole, Mehta & McKee protocols79
    • Bladder cancer
    • Breast cancer
    • Colorectal cancer
    • Endometrial cancer
    • Leukemia
    • Lung cancer
    • Lymphoma
    • Melanoma
    • Prostate cancer
    • Thyroid cancer
  • MacDonald breast cancer program80
  • McKinney protocols81
    • Bladder cancer
    • Breast cancer
    • Brain/nerve cancer
    • Carcinoid/neuroendocrine cancer
    • Cervical cancer
    • Colorectal cancer
    • Esophageal cancer
    • Head and neck cancer
    • Kidney cancer
    • Leukemia
    • Lymphoma
    • Melanoma
    • Multiple myeloma
    • Myelodysplastic syndrome
    • Sarcoma
    • Skin cancer
    • Stomach cancer
    • Thyroid cancer
    • Uterine cancer
    • Used as a targeted pathway agent, for inflammation, and for insulin function/blood sugar regulation
  • Traditional systems
    • Ayurveda
    • Traditional Chinese medicine
  • Abrams & Weil list green tea as effective for reducing risk and treating early stage cancer.82

Also known by these names

  • Chinese tea
  • Matcha tea
  • Green tea extract
  • Green tea polyphenols
  • Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)

Resources

References

  1. Chen WT, Yang TS et al. Effectiveness of a novel herbal agent MB-6 as a potential adjunct to 5-fluoracil-based chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. Nutrition Research. 2014 Jul;34(7):585-94.
  2. Chung FL, Schwartz J, Herzog CR, Yang YM. Tea and cancer prevention: studies in animals and humans. Journal of Nutrition. 2003 Oct;133(10):3268S-3274S, as reported in Evidence-Based Monographs: Green Tea. Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre. Viewed May 16, 2019.
  3. Shanafelt TD, Lee YK et al. Clinical effects of oral green tea extracts in four patients with low grade B-cell malignancies. Leukemia Research. 2006 Jun;30(6):707-12; Shanafelt TD, Call TG et al. Phase 2 trial of daily, oral Polyphenon E in patients with asymptomatic, Rai stage 0 to II chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cancer. 2013 Jan 15;119(2):363-70.
  4. Fritz H, Seely D et al. Green tea and lung cancer: a systematic review. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2013 Jan;12(1):7-24.
  5. Kiselev VI, Ashrafyan LA et al. A new promising way of maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer: a comparative clinical study. BMC Cancer. 2018 Sep 20;18(1):904.
  6. McLarty J, Bigelow RL et al. Tea polyphenols decrease serum levels of prostate-specific antigen, hepatocyte growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor in prostate cancer patients and inhibit production of hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in vitro. Cancer Prevention Research (Philadelphia). 2009 Jul;2(7):673-82.
  7. Nguyen MM, Ahmann FR et al. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of polyphenon E in prostate cancer patients before prostatectomy: evaluation of potential chemopreventive activities. Cancer Prevention Research (Philadelphia). 2012 Feb;5(2):290-8.
  8. Choan E, Segal R et al. A prospective clinical trial of green tea for hormone refractory prostate cancer: an evaluation of the complementary/alternative therapy approach. Urolologic Oncology. 2005 Mar-Apr;23(2):108-13.
  9. Fujiki H, Sueoka E, Rawangkan A, Suganuma M. Human cancer stem cells are a target for cancer prevention using (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2017 Sep 23.
  10. Lewis KA, Jordan HR, Tollefsbol TO. Effects of SAHA and EGCG on growth potentiation of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Cancers (Basel). 2018 Dec 27;11(1). pii: E23; Avtanski D, Poretsky L. Phyto-polyphenols as potential inhibitors of breast cancer metastasis. Molecular Medicine. 2018 Jun 5;24(1):29.
  11. Gianfredi V, Vannini S et al. Sulforaphane and epigallocatechin gallate restore estrogen receptor expression by modulating epigenetic events in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Nutrigenetics and Nutrigenomics. 2017;10(3-4):126-135.
  12. Yiannakopoulou EC. Interaction of green tea catechins with breast cancer endocrine treatment: a systematic review. Pharmacology. 2014;94(5-6):245-8.
  13. Yang H, Zonder JA, Dou QP. Clinical development of novel proteasome inhibitors for cancer treatment. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. 2009 Jul;18(7):957-71.
  14. Cerezo-Guisado MI, Zur R et al. Implication of Akt, ERK1/2 and alternative p38MAPK signalling pathways in human colon cancer cell apoptosis induced by green tea EGCG. Food Chem Toxicol. 2015 Oct;84:125-32; Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726; Kuppusamy P, Yusoff MM et al. Nutraceuticals as potential therapeutic agents for colon cancer: a review. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2014 Jun;4(3):173-81; Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726.
  15. Ni J, Guo X, Wang H, Zhou T, Wang X. Differences in the effects of EGCG on chromosomal stability and cell growth between normal and colon cancer cells. Molecules. 2018 Mar 29;23(4). pii: E788; Hu G, Zhang L, Rong Y, Ni X, Sun Y. Downstream carcinogenesis signaling pathways by green tea polyphenols: a translational perspective of chemoprevention and treatment for cancers. Current Drug Metabolism. 2014 Jan;15(1):14-22.
  16. Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726; Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726.
  17. Hu F, Wei F et al. EGCG synergizes the therapeutic effect of cisplatin and oxaliplatin through autophagic pathway in human colorectal cancer cells. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. 2015 May;128(1):27-34.
  18. Ying L, Yan F et al. (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate and EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 have similar inhibitory effects and mechanisms of action on colorectal cancer cells. Clinical and Experimental Pharmacology & Physiology. 2018 Jan;45(1):58-67; Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726.
  19. Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726; Hu G, Zhang L, Rong Y, Ni X, Sun Y. Downstream carcinogenesis signaling pathways by green tea polyphenols: a translational perspective of chemoprevention and treatment for cancers. Current Drug Metabolism. 2014 Jan;15(1):14-22.
  20. Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726.
  21. Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726.
  22. Chen J, Huang XF. The signal pathways in azoxymethane-induced colon cancer and preventive implications. Cancer Biology & Therapy. 2009 Jul;8(14):1313-7.
  23. Fajardo AM, Piazza GA. Chemoprevention in gastrointestinal physiology and disease. Anti-inflammatory approaches for colorectal cancer chemoprevention. American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 2015 Jul 15;309(2):G59-70; Ullah MF, Bhat SH et al. Pharmacological intervention through dietary nutraceuticals in gastrointestinal neoplasia. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2016 Jul 3;56(9):1501-18.
  24. Ullah MF, Bhat SH et al. Pharmacological intervention through dietary nutraceuticals in gastrointestinal neoplasia. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2016 Jul 3;56(9):1501-18.
  25. Ullah MF, Bhat SH et al. Pharmacological intervention through dietary nutraceuticals in gastrointestinal neoplasia. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2016 Jul 3;56(9):1501-18.
  26. Wubetu GY, Shimada M et al. Epigallocatechin gallate hinders human hepatoma and colon cancer sphere formation. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2016 Jan;31(1):256-64.
  27. Hu G, Zhang L, Rong Y, Ni X, Sun Y. Downstream carcinogenesis signaling pathways by green tea polyphenols: a translational perspective of chemoprevention and treatment for cancers. Current Drug Metabolism. 2014 Jan;15(1):14-22.
  28. Chen WT, Yang TS et al. Effectiveness of a novel herbal agent MB-6 as a potential adjunct to 5-fluoracil-based chemotherapy in colorectal cancer. Nutrition Research. 2014 Jul;34(7):585-94.
  29. Chan MM, Soprano KJ, Weinstein K, Fong D. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate delivers hydrogen peroxide to induce death of ovarian cancer cells and enhances their cisplatin susceptibility. Journal of Cell Physiology. 2006 May;207(2):389-96.
  30. Wang X, Jiang P et al. EGCG enhances cisplatin sensitivity by regulating expression of the copper and cisplatin influx transporter CTR1 in ovary cancer. PLoS One. 2015 Apr 30;10(4):e0125402.
  31. Le CT, Leenders WPJ, Molenaar RJ, van Noorden CJF. Effects of the green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate on glioma: a critical evaluation of the literature. Nutrition and Cancer. 2018 Apr;70(3):317-333.
  32. Kiselev VI, Ashrafyan LA et al. A new promising way of maintenance therapy in advanced ovarian cancer: a comparative clinical study. BMC Cancer. 2018 Sep 20;18(1):904.
  33. Ruhlmann CH, Jahn F et al. 2016 updated MASCC/ESMO consensus recommendations: prevention of radiotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. Supportive Care in Cancer. 2017 Jan;25(1):309-316.
  34. Sun CL, Yuan JM et al. Urinary tea polyphenols in relation to gastric and esophageal cancers: a prospective study of men in Shanghai, China. Carcinogenesis. 2002 Sep;23(9):1497-503; Yuan JM, Gao YT, Yang CS, Yu MC Urinary biomarkers of tea polyphenols and risk of colorectal cancer in the Shanghai Cohort Study. International Journal of Cancer. 2007 Mar 15;120(6):1344-50.
  35. Sun CL, Yuan JM, Koh WP, Yu MC. Green tea, black tea and breast cancer risk: a meta-analysis of epidemiological studies. Carcinogenesis. 2006 Jul;27(7):1310-5; Mokbel K, Mokbel K. Chemoprevention of breast cancer with vitamins and micronutrients: a concise review. In Vivo. 2019 Jul-Aug;33(4):983-997; Lemanne D, Maizes V. Advising women undergoing treatment for breast cancer: a narrative review. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2018 Sep/Oct;24(9-10):902-909.
  36. Sun CL, Yuan JM, Koh WP, Yu MC. Green tea, black tea and colorectal cancer risk: a meta-analysis of epidemiologic studies. Carcinogenesis. 2006 Jul;27(7):1301-9.
  37. Shimizu M, Fukutomi Y et al. Green tea extracts for the prevention of metachronous colorectal adenomas: a pilot study. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 2008 Nov;17(11):3020-5.
  38. Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726; Kumar N, Shibata D, Helm J, Coppola D, Malafa M. Green tea polyphenols in the prevention of colon cancer. Frontiers in Bioscience. 2007 Jan 1;12:2309-15; Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726; Kumar N, Shibata D, Helm J, Coppola D, Malafa M. Green tea polyphenols in the prevention of colon cancer. Frontiers in Bioscience. 2007 Jan 1;12:2309-15.
  39. Shimizu M, Adachi S, Masuda M, Kozawa O, Moriwaki H. Cancer chemoprevention with green tea catechins by targeting receptor tyrosine kinases. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2011 Jun;55(6):832-43.
  40. Shimizu M, Fukutomi Y et al. Green tea extracts for the prevention of metachronous colorectal adenomas: a pilot study. Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention. 2008 Nov;17(11):3020-5; Shin CM, Lee DH et al. Green tea extracts for the prevention of metachronous colorectal polyps among patients who underwent endoscopic removal of colorectal adenomas: a randomized clinical trial. Clinical Nutrition. 2018 Apr;37(2):452-458.
  41. Zhang XH, Andreotti G et al. Tea drinking and the risk of biliary tract cancers and biliary stones: a population-based case-control study in Shanghai, China. International Journal of Cancer. 2006 Jun 15;118(12):3089-94.
  42. Fon Sing M, Yang WS, Gao S, Gao J, Xiang YB. Epidemiological studies of the association between tea drinking and primary liver cancer: a meta-analysis. European Journal of Cancer Prevention. 2011 May;20(3):157-65.
  43. Arts IC. A review of the epidemiological evidence on tea, flavonoids, and lung cancer. Journal of Nutrition. 2008 Aug;138(8):1561S-1566S; Wang Y, Yu X, Wu Y, Zhang D. Coffee and tea consumption and risk of lung cancer: a dose-response analysis of observational studies. Lung Cancer. 2012 Nov;78(2):169-70; Liang W, Binns CW, Jian L, Lee AH. Does the consumption of green tea reduce the risk of lung cancer among smokers? Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medocine. 2007 Mar;4(1):17-22.
  44. Ide R, Fujino Y et al. A prospective study of green tea consumption and oral cancer incidence in Japan. Annals of Epidemiology. 2007 Oct;17(10):821-6.
  45. Butler LM, Wu AH. Green and black tea in relation to gynecologic cancers. Molecular Nutrition & Food Research. 2011 Jun;55(6):931-40.
  46. Lee AH, Su D, Pasalich M, Binns CW. Tea consumption reduces ovarian cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiology. 2013 Feb;37(1):54-9.
  47. Tang NP, Li H, Qiu YL, Zhou GM, Ma J. Tea consumption and risk of endometrial cancer: a metaanalysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2009 Dec;201(6):605.e1-8.
  48. Zheng J, Yang B et al. Green tea and black tea consumption and prostate cancer risk: an exploratory meta-analysis of observational studies. Nutrition and Cancer. 2011;63(5):663-72.
  49. Bettuzzi S, Brausi M et al. Chemoprevention of human prostate cancer by oral administration of green tea catechins in volunteers with high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia: a preliminary report from a one-year proof-of-principle study. Cancer Research. 2006 Jan 15;66(2):1234-40; Brausi M, Rizzi F, Bettuzzi S. Chemoprevention of human prostate cancer by green tea catechins: two years later. a follow-up update. European Urology. 2008 Aug;54(2):472-3.
  50. Sharma P, Montes de Oca MK et al. Tea polyphenols for the prevention of UVB-induced skin cancer. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine. 2018 Jan;34(1):50-59.
  51. Katiyar SK, Matsui MS, Elmets CA, Mukhtar H. Polyphenolic antioxidant (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate from green tea reduces UVB-induced inflammatory responses and infiltration of leukocytes in human skin. Photochemistry and Photobiology. 1999 Feb;69(2):148-53; Camouse MM1, Domingo DS et al. Topical application of green and white tea extracts provides protection from solar-simulated ultraviolet light in human skin. Experimental Dermatology. 2009 Jun;18(6):522-6.
  52. Evidence-Based Monographs: Green Tea. Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre. Viewed May 16, 2019.
  53. Fujiki H, Sueoka E, Rawangkan A, Suganuma M. Human cancer stem cells are a target for cancer prevention using (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. Journal of Cancer Research and Clinical Oncology. 2017 Sep 23; Chu C, Deng J, Man Y, Qu Y. Green tea extracts epigallocatechin-3-gallate for different treatments. Biomedical Research International. 2017;2017:5615647; Budisan L, Gulei D et al. Dietary intervention by phytochemicals and their role in modulating coding and non-coding genes in cancer. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017 Jun 1;18(6). pii: E1178.
  54. Yiannakopoulou ECh. Effect of green tea catechins on breast carcinogenesis: a systematic review of in-vitro and in-vivo experimental studies. European Journal of Cancer Prevention. 2014 Mar;23(2):84-9; Xiang LP, Wang A et al. Suppressive effects of tea catechins on breast cancer. Nutrients. 2016 Jul 28;8(8). pii: E458.
  55. Chen J, Huang XF. The signal pathways in azoxymethane-induced colon cancer and preventive implications. Cancer Biology & Therapy. 2009 Jul;8(14):1313-7.
  56. Fajardo AM, Piazza GA. Chemoprevention in gastrointestinal physiology and disease. Anti-inflammatory approaches for colorectal cancer chemoprevention. American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 2015 Jul 15;309(2):G59-70; Ullah MF, Bhat SH et al. Pharmacological intervention through dietary nutraceuticals in gastrointestinal neoplasia. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2016 Jul 3;56(9):1501-18.
  57. Ullah MF, Bhat SH et al. Pharmacological intervention through dietary nutraceuticals in gastrointestinal neoplasia. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2016 Jul 3;56(9):1501-18.
  58. Ullah MF, Bhat SH et al. Pharmacological intervention through dietary nutraceuticals in gastrointestinal neoplasia. Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. 2016 Jul 3;56(9):1501-18.
  59. Wubetu GY, Shimada M et al. Epigallocatechin gallate hinders human hepatoma and colon cancer sphere formation. Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology. 2016 Jan;31(1):256-64.
  60. Derry MM, Raina K, Agarwal C, Agarwal R. Identifying molecular targets of lifestyle modifications in colon cancer prevention. Frontiers in Oncology. 2013 May 14;3:119.
  61. Hu G, Zhang L, Rong Y, Ni X, Sun Y. Downstream carcinogenesis signaling pathways by green tea polyphenols: a translational perspective of chemoprevention and treatment for cancers. Current Drug Metabolism. 2014 Jan;15(1):14-22.
  62. Ni J, Guo X, Wang H, Zhou T, Wang X. Differences in the effects of EGCG on chromosomal stability and cell growth between normal and colon cancer cells. Molecules. 2018 Mar 29;23(4). pii: E788; Carini F, Tomasello G et al. Colorectal cancer and inflammatory bowel diseases: effects of diet and antioxidants. Journal of Biological Regulators and Homeostatic Agents. 2017 Jul-Sep;31(3):791-795; Kuppusamy P, Yusoff MM et al. Nutraceuticals as potential therapeutic agents for colon cancer: a review. Acta Pharm Sin B. 2014 Jun;4(3):173-81; Fajardo AM, Piazza GA. Chemoprevention in gastrointestinal physiology and disease. Anti-inflammatory approaches for colorectal cancer chemoprevention. American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 2015 Jul 15;309(2):G59-70; Massounga Bora AF, Ma S, Li X, Liu L Application of microencapsulation for the safe delivery of green tea polyphenols in food systems: review and recent advances. Food Research International. 2018 Mar;105:241-249; Suzuki K, Ohno S et al. Effect of green tea extract on reactive oxygen species produced by neutrophils from cancer patients. Anticancer Research. 2012 Jun;32(6):2369-75.
  63. Liu C, Li P et al. Advances in the antagonism of epigallocatechin-3-gallate in the treatment of digestive tract tumors. Molecules. 2019 May 3;24(9). pii: E1726; Fajardo AM, Piazza GA. Chemoprevention in gastrointestinal physiology and disease. Anti-inflammatory approaches for colorectal cancer chemoprevention. American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 2015 Jul 15;309(2):G59-70; Shirakami Y, Ohnishi M, Sakai H, Tanaka T, Shimizu M. Prevention of colorectal cancer by targeting obesity-related disorders and inflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2017 Apr 26;18(5). pii: E908; Suzuki K, Ohno S et al. Effect of green tea extract on reactive oxygen species produced by neutrophils from cancer patients. Anticancer Research. 2012 Jun;32(6):2369-75.
  64. Massounga Bora AF, Ma S, Li X, Liu L Application of microencapsulation for the safe delivery of green tea polyphenols in food systems: review and recent advances. Food Research International. 2018 Mar;105:241-249.
  65. Ni J, Guo X, Wang H, Zhou T, Wang X. Differences in the effects of EGCG on chromosomal stability and cell growth between normal and colon cancer cells. Molecules. 2018 Mar 29;23(4). pii: E788.
  66. Fajardo AM, Piazza GA. Chemoprevention in gastrointestinal physiology and disease. Anti-inflammatory approaches for colorectal cancer chemoprevention. American Journal of Physiology. Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology. 2015 Jul 15;309(2):G59-70.
  67. Zheng XX, Xu YL et al. Effects of green tea catechins with or without caffeine on glycemic control in adults: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2013 Apr;97(4):750-62; Kim Y, Keogh JB, Clifton PM. Polyphenols and glycemic control. Nutrients. 2016 Jan 5;8(1). pii: E17; Liu K, Zhou R et al. Effect of green tea on glucose control and insulin sensitivity: a meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2013 Aug;98(2):340-8.
  68. Yu J, Song P, Perry R, Penfold C, Cooper AR. The effectiveness of green tea or green tea extract on insulin resistance and glycemic control in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis. Diabetes & Metabolism Journal. 2017 Aug;41(4):251-262.
  69. CAM-Cancer. Green tea (Camellia sinensis). February 13, 2014. Viewed October 31, 2017.
  70. Evidence-Based Monographs: Green Tea. Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre. Viewed May 16, 2019.
  71. Filippini T, Malavolti M et al. Green tea (Camellia sinensis) for the prevention of cancer. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2020 Mar 2;3(3):CD005004.
  72. Modernelli A, Naponelli V et al. EGCG antagonizes bortezomib cytotoxicity in prostate cancer cells by an autophagic mechanism. Scientific Reports. 2015 Oct 16;5:15270; Fritz H, Seely D et al. Green tea and lung cancer: a systematic review. Integrative Cancer Therapies. 2013 Jan;12(1):7-24. Yang H, Zonder JA, Dou QP. Clinical development of novel proteasome inhibitors for cancer treatment. Expert Opinion on Investigational Drugs. 2009 Jul;18(7):957-71; Yeung KS, Gubili J, Mao JJ. Herb-drug interactions in cancer care. Oncology (Williston Park). 2018 Oct 15;32(10):516-20..
  73. Yeung KS, Gubili J, Mao JJ. Herb-drug interactions in cancer care. Oncology (Williston Park). 2018 Oct 15;32(10):516-20.
  74. Yeung KS, Gubili J, Mao JJ. Herb-drug interactions in cancer care. Oncology (Williston Park). 2018 Oct 15;32(10):516-20.
  75. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s About Herbs: Green Tea. August 16, 2017. Viewed October 29, 2017.
  76. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center’s About Herbs: Green Tea. August 16, 2017. Viewed October 29, 2017.
  77. Alschuler LN, Gazella KA. The Definitive Guide to Cancer, 3rd Edition: An Integrative Approach to Prevention, Treatment, and Healing. Berkeley, California: Celestial Arts. 2010; Alschuler LN, Gazella KA. The Definitive Guide to Thriving after Cancer: A Five-Step Integrative Plan to Reduce the Risk of Recurrence and Build Lifelong Health. Berkeley, California: Ten Speed Press. 2013.
  78. Block KI. Life over Cancer: The Block Center Program for Integrative Cancer Treatment. New York: Bantam Dell. 2009.
  79. Lemole G, Mehta P, McKee D. After Cancer Care: The Definitive Self-Care Guide to Getting and Staying Well for Patients with Cancer. New York, New York: Rodale, Inc. 2015.
  80. MacDonald B. The Breast Cancer Companion: A Complementary Care Manual: Third Edition. 2016.
  81. McKinney N. Naturopathic Oncology, 3rd Edition. Victoria, BC, Canada: Liaison Press. 2016.
  82. Abrams DI, Weil AT. Integrative Oncology, 2nd Edition. New York, NY: Oxford University Press. 2014.