Green Tea (camellia sinensis, camellia thea, Chinese tea, Dexatrim (reformulated), green tea extract, GTE, Japanese tea, Matsu-cha tea, Theaceae, Theanine, theifers)
Classes: Cardiovascular, Herbals; Neurology & Psychiatry, Herbals; Oncology, Herbals
Suggested dosing of Camellia sinensis, camellia thea (green tea)
1-10 cups PO qD; 1 tsp tea leaves/ 8 oz boiling water
Mental Alertness
1 cup or 60 mg caffeine (3 cups = 240-320 mg polyphenols)
Hyperlipidemia
>10 cups/day
Suggested uses of Camellia sinensis, camellia thea (green tea)
Cancer (prevention), cognitive improvement, Crohn's disease, diuresis, genital warts, headaches, heart disease (prevention), Parkinson's disease (prevention), stomach disorders, weight loss (combination products), hypercholesterolemia
Efficacy
Possibly effective for listed uses
Studies show benefit in prevention of bladder, esophageal, pancreatic cancer; neg. results for stomach cancer
Camellia sinensis, camellia thea (green tea) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Agitation
Anxiety
Arrhythmias
Constipation
Convulsions
Delirium
Dependence
Diarrhea
Diuresis
Dizziness
GI upset
Headache
Heartburn
Hepatotoxicity
Hyperglycemia
Hypertension
Increased cholesteroL
Increased respiration
Insomnia
Irritability
Loss of appetite
Nausea/vomiting
Nervousness
Palpitations
Restlessness
Tachycardia
Tinnitus
Tremor
Withdrawal symptoms
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Avoid prior to surgery: may cause bleeding
Cautions
Anxiety disorders, arrhythmias, cardiac disease, depression, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disease, ulcers (gastric/duodenal)
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: avoid use
Lactation: avoid use
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Camellia sinensis, camellia thea (green tea)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Contains polyphenols (flavonoids): antioxidant, reduce DNA oxidative damage, inhib. carcinogen formation (e.g., nitrosamines)
Caffeine: CNS stimulant
