Tea may hold back Alzheimer's

A steaming cup of tea could help ward off the effects of Alzheimer's disease, say U.K. scientists.

Laboratory tests found that regular cups of green and black tea inhibit the activity of certain brain enzymes that bring on Alzheimer's, a form of generative dementia that affects an estimated 10 million people worldwide.

But the researchers are not sure if tea's active ingredients would work in the body, particularly if they would reach the brain.

The research by the medicinal plant research centre at University of Newcastle upon Tyne, northeast England, is published in the journal Phytotherapy Research.

Scientists tested coffee as well as green and black tea. Coffee had no significant effect on the activity of enzymes associated with developing Alzheimer's. But both green and black tea inhibited the enzymes.

According to the journal, tea inhibited the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, which breaks down the chemical messenger, or neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

Alzheimer's is characterised by a drop in acetylcholine.

Green tea and black tea also hindered the activity of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase, seen in protein deposits found on the brains of patients with Alzheimer's.

But green tea alone had a further effect, obstructing the activity of beta-secretase, which has a role in the production of protein deposits in the brain associated with Alzheimer's.

The effects of green tea also last a week, scientists found, as against only a day for black tea.

"Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, tea could potentially be another weapon in the armory which is used to treat this disease and slow down its development," said head researcher Dr Ed Okello.

"It would be wonderful if our work could help improve the quality of life for millions of sufferers and their carers.

"Our findings are particularly exciting as tea is already a very popular drink, it is inexpensive, and there do not seem to be any adverse side effects when it is consumed.

"Still, we expect it will be several years until we are able to produce anything marketable."

Disclaimer

Note: There is a wide range of opinion on the benefits and risks of alternative and complementary medicine in the medical community. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Please consult your physician about your specific health care concerns.