Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Age Spots

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Green tea has been investigated for its potential effects on skin health, including the treatment and prevention of age spots (also known as liver spots or solar lentigines). Age spots are primarily caused by cumulative sun exposure and oxidative stress leading to increased melanin production in localized skin areas. Green tea contains polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Some scientific studies suggest that green tea extracts can inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme crucial to melanin production, and may reduce hyperpigmentation in vitro and in animal models. Additionally, small human studies and some topical formulations containing green tea polyphenols have demonstrated mild improvements in hyperpigmentation and overall skin tone. The antioxidant effects can also help protect skin from further UV-induced oxidative damage, potentially preventing the formation of new age spots.

However, the clinical evidence is limited. Most studies are either small, short-term, or use green tea in combination with other ingredients, making it difficult to attribute effects specifically to green tea. There is a lack of large, well-controlled clinical trials directly addressing green tea's efficacy in treating age spots. Thus, while there is some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting its use, the overall quality and quantity of clinical evidence is moderate at best, warranting a rating of 2 out of 5.

More about green tea
More about Age Spots

Other health conditions supported by green tea

Acne
Addictions (coffee, caffeine)
Age Spots
Aging (prevention)
Allergies (food)
Allergies (respiratory)
Alzheimer's Disease
Antibiotics (alternatives to)
Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Appetite (excessive)
Arteriosclerosis
Arthritis
Asthma
Athletic and Exercise Aids
Autoimmune Disorders
Belching
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (internal)
Blood in Urine
Bloodshot Eyes
Breast Lumps
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cartilage Damage
Cellulite
Cervical Dysplasia
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Chicken Pox
Cholesterol (high)
Cholesterol (low)
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder
Circulation (poor)
Circulation (to the brain)
Cirrhosis of the Liver
Colds (antiviral)
Colds (decongestant)
Colds (general)
Colds (prevention)
Colds (with fever)
Colic (children)
Colitis
Colon (atonic)
Colon (spastic)
Concentration (poor)
Congestion
Congestion (bronchial)
Congestion (lungs)
Congestion (lymphatic)
Congestion (sinus)
Conjunctivitis
Constipation (adults)
Contagious Diseases
Convalescence
Cough (damp)
Cough (dry)
Cough (general)
Cough (spastic)
Cramps (menstrual)
Crohn's Disease
Cuts
Cystic Breast Disease
Cystic Fibrosis
Cytomealovirus
Dandruff
Debility
Dementia
Denture Sores
Depression
Dermatitis
Diabetes
Diabetic Retinopathy
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Down Syndrome
Endometriosis
Epstein Barr Virus
Eye Infections
Eye Problems
Eyes (red or itching)
Fibroids (uterine)
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Glaucoma
Hemochromatosis
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Parkinson's Disease
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
Polyps
Rosacea
Skin (oily)
Abdominal Pain
Abscesses
Body Odor
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Fatigue
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Oral Surgery
Psoriasis
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wrinkles