February 17/Berks, U.K./Health & Medicine WeeK -- According to a study from the U.K., "The health benefits of green tea (Camellia sinensis) catechins are becoming increasingly recognised. Amongst the proposed benefits are the maintenance of endothelial function and vascular homeostasis and an associated reduction in atherogenesis and CVD risk."

"The mounting evidence for the influential effect of green tea catechins on vascular function front epidemiological, human intervention and animal studies is subject to review together with exploration of the potential mechanistic pathways involved. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate, one of the most abundant and widely studied catechin found in green tea, will be prominent in the present review. Since there is a substantial inconsistency in the published data with regards to the impact of green tea catechins on vascular function, evaluation and interpretation of the inter- and intra-stud variability is included," wrote R.J. Moore and colleagues, University of Reading.

The researchers concluded, "A positive effect of green tea catechins on vascular function is becoming apparent. Further studies in animal and cell models using physiological concentrations of catechins and their metabolites are warranted in order to gain some insight. into the physiology and molecular basis of the observed beneficial effects."

Moore and colleagues published the results of their research in British Journal of Nutrition ("Green tea (Camellia Sinensis) Catechins and Vascular Function." British Journal of Nutrition, 2009;102(12):1790-1802).

For additional information, contact A.M. Minihane, University of Reading, Dept. of Food Biosci, Reading RG6 6AP, Berks, United Kingdom.

From the March 8, 2010, Prepared Foods E-dition Special: Heart Health