The healthy properties of green tea, known for anticancer and cardiovascular benefits, may extend to reducing rheumatoid arthritis pain as well, according to a recent study.
Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Lessened
Rheumatoid arthritis pain and inflammation appeared to be lessened in the lab experiments at the University of Michigan Health System, Ann Arbor. Lead researcher Salah-uddin Ahmed said that while it’s too early to know if drinking green tea will provide the desired benefits (especially pain relief) and eventually become a recommended rheumatoid arthritis treatment , the study is a good starting point.
For 2.1 million Americans with RA, the lining formed around joints becomes irritated, causing long-term damage and pain.
Lessening Bone Loss in Joints with Rheumatoid Arthritis
For the study, researchers separated out the cells which form the lining, called synovial fibroblasts. These cells were cultured and then drenched in the active ingredient in green tea. Then a protein which causes joint deterioration was placed on the cells.
Ahmed’s team found that the molecules responsible for the loss of bone in rheumatoid arthritis joints were inhibited by green tea.
An earlier study by the same group discovered that the active ingredient in green tea protected the joint cells from the damaging effects of the proteins and enzymes that cause the cartilage breakdown so common in RA.
Benefits of Green Tea: Too Good to Pass Up
Although it is too soon to assume that drinking green tea will mimic the reduced rheumatoid arthritis pain, it won’t hurt, Ahmed says. Green tea has several health benefits and no known downside. Drink it throughout the day to keep levels in the blood fairly constant.
Three or four eight-ounce cups should be sufficient, according to Ahmed. He also suggested that people try different brands, because flavors vary. If it may help rheumatoid arthritis pain, go for it!
For more information: Salah-uddin Ahmed, Angela Pakozdi and Alisa E. Koch, “Green Tea Compound, EGCG, May Be A Therapy For People With Rheumatoid Arthritis.” Science Daily, April 30, 2007.
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