Evidence supporting the use of: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
For the health condition: Autoimmune Disorders

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Synopsis

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

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the primary catechin found in green tea and has garnered attention for its potential immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Scientific research, mostly in preclinical models and a limited number of small human studies, suggests that EGCG may influence immune function by modulating cytokine production, reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting the proliferation of certain immune cells involved in autoimmune pathology.

Animal and in vitro studies have demonstrated that EGCG can ameliorate symptoms in experimental models of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis model), rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. These effects are thought to be mediated by suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (like TNF-α and IL-6) and inhibition of T cell activation.

Human clinical evidence is limited and generally consists of small pilot studies or trials with surrogate endpoints. For example, some studies have shown that green tea extracts may reduce disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis, but results are not uniformly positive, and sample sizes are small. No large, well-controlled clinical trials have established EGCG as an effective therapy for any autoimmune disorder. Thus, while there is a scientific rationale for the use of EGCG and promising early data, the overall evidence is still preliminary and insufficient to recommend EGCG as a standard treatment for autoimmune diseases.

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