A compound in green tea and Alzheimer’s disease

The Departments of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at McMaster University in Canada found that polyphenol epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) found in green tea stops the formation of beta-amyloid plaques, a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease by interfering with the function of beta-amyloid oligomers. 

The findings published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society sheds new light on how EGCG could help to prevent beta-amyloid plaque formation.  Lead study author Giuseppe Melacini explained “We believe EGCG coats toxic oligomers and changes their ability to grow and interact with healthy cells.”  

The research team note that much more research needs to be done as there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. 

NOTE:  The precise cause of Alzheimer’s disease is unclear but it is believed that beta-amyloid plays a key role in forming plaques that disrupt communication between nerve cells.