Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Autoimmune Disorders

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Synopsis

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

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has been investigated for its potential effects on autoimmune disorders due to its rich content of polyphenols, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Scientific interest in green tea and autoimmunity stems from in vitro and animal studies suggesting that EGCG may modulate immune responses and reduce inflammation. For example, EGCG has been shown to inhibit the proliferation of T cells and the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, as well as to induce regulatory T cells, which can help maintain immune tolerance. In animal models of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease, green tea polyphenols have demonstrated protective effects, reducing disease severity and inflammatory damage.

However, evidence in humans is limited. Some small pilot clinical studies and observational research suggest a possible reduction in inflammation or symptom improvement in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, but results are inconsistent and not robust. No large-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials have confirmed a clear therapeutic benefit for any autoimmune disorder. Thus, while the mechanistic rationale is strong and preliminary data are promising, the clinical evidence remains insufficient for strong recommendations. Green tea is generally considered safe, but high doses may interfere with certain medications or cause adverse effects in sensitive individuals. In summary, green tea’s use in autoimmune disorders is supported by scientific rationale and preclinical data, with modest but not conclusive clinical evidence to date.

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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