Evidence supporting the use of: Green tea
For the health condition: Fungal Infections

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Synopsis

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

Green tea (Camellia sinensis) has been studied for its antifungal properties, and there is some scientific basis for its use in supporting the treatment of fungal infections. The main active compounds in green tea are polyphenols, particularly catechins such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In vitro (laboratory) studies have demonstrated that EGCG and other catechins can inhibit the growth of various fungal species, including Candida albicans, a common cause of fungal infections in humans. These effects appear to be mediated by disruption of fungal cell membranes, interference with fungal metabolism, and inhibition of biofilm formation.

Despite promising laboratory findings, clinical evidence in humans is still limited. There are a few studies and case reports suggesting that topical or oral green tea extracts may help in managing mild fungal infections, especially when used alongside conventional antifungal therapies. However, robust clinical trials are lacking, and green tea is not currently recognized as a primary or standalone treatment for fungal infections in medical guidelines.

In summary, there is scientific validation at the preclinical level for green tea’s antifungal effects, mainly due to its catechin content. The overall quality and quantity of human evidence remain low, warranting a modest rating. Green tea may be considered a supportive, adjunctive therapy, but should not replace established antifungal medications.

More about green tea
More about Fungal Infections

Other health conditions supported by green tea

Abdominal Pain
Abscesses
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
Body Odor
Breast Lumps
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
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)
Fatigue
Fibroids (uterine)
Free Radical Damage
Fungal Infections
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Glaucoma
Hair (loss or thinning)
Headache (general)
Hemochromatosis
Hypertension
Inflammation
Influenza
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Liver Detoxification
Memory and Brain Function
Oral Surgery
Parkinson's Disease
Perspiration (excessive)
PMS (general)
Polyps
Psoriasis
Rosacea
Skin (oily)
Stress
Triglycerides (high)
Ulcers
Urinary Tract Infections
Wrinkles