Green Tea and Its Catechins Inhibit Breast Cancer Xenografts

Abstract

Investigators have shown that green tea may decrease the risk of cancer. It is widely accepted that the main active component of green tea is epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). In this study, we examined the effect of green tea on breast cancer growth and endothelial cells in in vitro assays and in animal models. Furthermore, we compared the potency of the different catechin components of green tea extract (GTE), including EGCG. Our data showed that mixed GTE and its individual catechin components were effective in inhibiting breast cancer and endothelial cell proliferation. In mouse experiments, GTE suppressed xenograft size and decreased the tumor vessel density. Our results demonstrated the value of all catechins and argued for the use of a mixed GTE as a botanical dietary supplement, rather than purified EGCG, in future clinical trials.