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Influence of tea catechins on the digestive tract
Author(s) -
Hara Yukihiko
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
journal of cellular biochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.028
H-Index - 165
eISSN - 1097-4644
pISSN - 0730-2312
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1097-4644(1997)27+<52::aid-jcb10>3.0.co;2-n
Subject(s) - catechin , chemistry , food science , feces , digestive tract , lactic acid , green tea , bacteria , polyphenol , biochemistry , biology , antioxidant , medicine , microbiology and biotechnology , genetics
Tea catechins undergo various metabolic changes after they are taken orally, though a large percentage are excreted intact with the feces. Epidemiological studies suggest a protective effect of tea against various human cancers, including colon and rectum. The bactericidal property of tea catechins plays several roles in the digestive tract. In the small intestine, catechins inhibit α‐amylase activity, and a certain amount is absorbed into the portal vein. Although catechins are bactericidal, they do not affect lactic acid bacteria. Including tea catechins in the diet for several weeks decreases putrefactive products and increases organic acids by lowering pH. These changes were achieved in tube‐fed patients by administering 100 mg of tea catechins (equivalent to a cup of green tea) three times daily with meals for 3 weeks. When catechin administration ceased, the effects reversed after 1 week. Catechins should be considered further in colon carcinogenesis studies. J. Cell. Biochem. Suppl. 27:52–58. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.