Green tea extract has been shown to exert multiple mechanisms that may help in preventing and treating cancer. These include:
1. Antioxidant Activity: Green tea extract is rich in antioxidants, which help neutralize free radicals that can damage cells and lead to cancer. 2. Inhibition of Cell Proliferation: Studies suggest that EGCG can interfere with the cell cycle, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. 3. Induction of Apoptosis: Green tea extract can induce apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in cancer cells without affecting normal cells. 4. Anti-Angiogenesis: EGCG has been found to inhibit angiogenesis, the process of new blood vessel formation, which is crucial for tumor growth. 5. Epigenetic Modulation: The extract can also affect gene expression and DNA methylation, mechanisms that play a role in cancer development and progression.
