LONDON, OCT 26 (AFP) - A steaming cup of
tea, the relaxing drink of choice for millions in countries such as
Britain and China, could help ward off the effects of Alzheimer's
disease, scientists said.
Laboratory tests found that regular cups of green and black tea inhibit
the activity of certain enzymes in the brain which bring on
Alzheimer's, a form of generative dementia that affects an estimated 10
million people worldwide.
The research by the Medicinal Plant Research Centre at Newcastle
University, northeast England, is published in academic journal
Phytotherapy Research.
Scientists tested coffee as well as green and black tea, the latter
of which -- the variety enjoyed by most Britons -- is derived from the
same plant as the green variety but has a different taste and
appearance as it is fermented.
The results found that while coffee had no significant effect, both
green and black tea inhibited the activity of enzymes associated with
the development of Alzheimer's.
According to the journal, tea inhibited the activity of the enzyme
acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which breaks down the chemical messenger,
or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Alzheimer's is characterised by a
drop in acetylcholine.
Green tea and black tea also hinder the activity of the enzyme
butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), seen in protein deposits found on the
brains of patients with Alzheimer's.
 However 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 for 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 armoury 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."
|
Astrology
Broccoli-tomato mix may reduce prostate cancer
Pomegranate
An Indian
Curry spice
