Green tea compound may improve cancer drugs

Conclusion This study developed a new way of packaging and carrying protein drugs by combining them with a green tea extract called Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG), which itself may have anti-cancer properties. They formed a complex between derivatives of EGCG and the protein cancer drug Herceptin. Tests in the laboratory and in mice indicated it might have better anti-cancer properties than non-complexed free Herceptin. This is encouraging research and may lead to improvements in delivery mechanisms for protein drugs further down the line. But this research remains at a very early stage of development. The results from the laboratory and mice studies need to be confirmed by other research groups before the team can consider testing potential treatments in humans. Only then will they be able to assess whether such a drug delivery system could benefit people. These further studies will have to pay special attention to potential side effects of the drugs. Green tea extracts are often the subject of news headlines, often in the very early stages of drug development. Other claims made about green tea include how it can help prevent prostate cancer, reduce stroke risk, boost the ability of the brain, and help ward off Alzheimer's disease. Some people have even gone as far as claiming the beverage is a “"superfood". Many of these claims are not backed by robust evidence, however. Overall, this new nanotechnology might prove useful in many years' time, but its...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Cancer Medication Source Type: news