LONDON (Reuters) - Drinking tea may help protect against Alzheimer's disease, though it is by no means a cure for the brain-crippling illness, scientists say. Scientists at Newcastle University said their research shows that a regular "cuppa" could slow development of the affliction that fogs the memory of otherwise healthy people.
"Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, tea could potentially be another weapon in the armoury which is used to treat this disease and slow down its development," lead researcher Ed Okello said on Tuesday. They found that both green and black tea inhibited the activity of enzymes associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease, but that coffee had no significant effect. About one million people die from the illness annually and there is no known medical explanation for why it affects humans.
Results of laboratory tests by the university's research team found that green and black tea inhibited the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which breaks down the chemical messenger or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine -- Alzheimer's is characterised by a drop in acetylcholine.
The scientists said green and black tea also hindered the activity of the enzyme butyrycholinesterase (BuChE), which has been discovered in protein deposits found on the brain of Alzheimer's patients.
GREEN TEA FARES BETTER
However, green tea scored better in several tests and had a longer-lasting affect, the research, showed which is published Tuesday in the academic journal, Phytotherapy Research. "Our findings are particularly exciting as tea is already a very popular drink, it is inexpensive, and there do not seem to be any adverse side effects when it is consumed. Still, we expect it will be several years until we are able to produce anything marketable," Okello said. The researchers said the next step is to find out exactly which components of green tea inhibit the activity of the enzymes AChE, BuChE and beta-secretase.
Newcastle University is seeking funding to carry out further tests on green tea, which they hope will include clinical trials. Their aim is to work towards the development of a medicinal tea which is specifically aimed at Alzheimer's sufferers.
Tea could improve memory, study shows Date released 26 October 2004
STORY SOURCE AND JOURNAL REF: ‘In vitro Anti-beta-secretase and dual anti-cholinesterase activities of Camellia sinensis L. (tea) relevant to treatment of dementia’; Edward J Okello et al, Phytotherapy Research, 18 624-627 (2004)
They found that both green and black tea inhibited the activity of enzymes associated with the development of Alzheimer’s Disease, but coffee had no significant effect. Both teas inhibited the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which breaks down the chemical messenger or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Alzheimer’s is characterised by a drop in acetylcholine.
Green tea and black tea also hinder the activity of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), which has been discovered in protein deposits which are found on the brain of patients with Alzheimer’s. Green tea went one step further in that it obstructed the activity of beta-secretase, which plays a role in the production of protein deposits in the brain which are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists also found that it continued to have its inhibitive effect for a week, whereas black tea’s enzyme-inhibiting properties lasted for only one day.
There is no cure for Alzheimer’s but it is possible to slow the development of the disease. Drugs currently on the market hinder the activity of AChE, and others are being developed which scientists hope will inhibit the activity of BuChE and beta-secretase.
The next step is to find out exactly which components of green tea inhibit the activity of the enzymes AChE, BuChE and beta-secretase. Lead researcher, Dr Ed Okello (pictured), who is also a lecturer with Newcastle University’s School of Biology, said: “Although there is no cure for Alzheimer’s, tea could potentially be another weapon in the armoury which is used to treat this disease and slow down its development. It would be wonderful if our work could help improve the quality of life for millions of sufferers and their carers.
“Our findings are particularly exciting as tea is already a very popular drink, it is inexpensive, and there do not seem to be any adverse side effects when it is consumed. Still, we expect it will be several years until we are able to produce anything marketable.”
>>8 >>3 However, green tea scored better in several tests and had a longer-lasting affect, the research, showed which is published Tuesday in the academic journal, Phytotherapy Research. "Our findings are particularly exciting as tea is already a very popular drink, it is inexpensive, and there do not seem to be any adverse side effects when it is consumed. Still, we expect it will be several years until we are able to produce anything marketable," Okello said.
Public release date: 25-Oct-2004 【Tea could improve memory, study shows】
Drinking regular cups of tea could help improve your memory, new research suggests.
Dr Okello, himself a green tea drinker, said the findings of the research suggested tea could boost the memory of everyday drinkers: "The ageing politician, Tony Benn, is a prime example of somebody who drinks tea and has a fantastic memory. He is said to drink 18 pints a day and has a very sharp mind for a man of his age," he added.
Contact: Dr Ed J Okello [email protected] 44-191-222-5467 University of Newcastle upon Tyne
University of Newcastle upon Tyne, Press release. 【Tea could improve memory, study shows】 Date released 26 October 2004
Drinking regular cups of tea could help improve your memory, suggest researchers who are investigating alternative forms of treatment for Alzheimer's Disease.