EGCG , short for Epigallocatechin-3-gallate – the major most potent extract of Green tea, has recently been found to inhibit the effects of H.Pylori, a very common bacteria infection associated with stomach inflammation (gastritis) and to the development of stomach and duodenal ulcers.

People with gastritis often suffer from chronic bloating, abdominal discomfort including burning pain in upper abdomen and/or  nausea. A common way to get relief is to take antacids (OTC tablets) or PPI (prescription medicines that reduce stomach acid).

However both are suppressing symptoms and not dealing with the disease effects internally such as inflammation. There is also increasing controversy over PPIs and its association with other diseases such as Heart disease and Dementia.

In this recent study one of the groups of gerbils were given a triple protocol of antibiotics [amoxicillin, clarithromycin and esomeprazole]. Another group of gerbils were given high doses of EGCG for 12 weeks. The results found  that EGCG performed equally to the antibiotic protocol. EGCG helped reduce the chronically  inflamed stomach lining and the PH levels of the stomach acid, which incidentally is elevated in Gastritis.

This is good news for all of us because it show evidence of alternatives to antibiotics and we really need them because  there is a global issue with antibiotic resistant  bacteria.

Another major advantage of plant based treatments is that they do not destroy all of our good bacteria needed for healthy digestive , immune system and brain functions.

In my practice  I prescribe Chinese herbs for gastritis and having this new information o EGCG supplementation offers a promising preventative approach after treatment is finished.

It would be interesting to see some research on whether long term supplementation of EGCG reduces risk of gastritis reoccurrence in those who were treated for H.Pylori infection.

Source

The green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate effectively inhibits Helicobacter pylori-induced gastritis in Mongolian gerbils Int J Clin Exp Med 2016;9(2):2479-2485 http://www.ijcem.com /ISSN:1940-5901/IJCEM0016631