Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jun 26, 2025 7 hours, 25 minutes ago
Medical News:
Hope from Nature for a Common Women’s Health Problem
A new review led by scientists from Poznań University of Medical Sciences, Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, and the Ludwik Rydygier Memorial Specialized Hospital in Kraków is offering renewed hope for women struggling with endometriosis—a painful and often overlooked condition that affects millions of women worldwide. Researchers have identified epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a natural compound found in green tea, as a promising and potentially groundbreaking non-hormonal treatment for the disease.
Medical-News-Green-Tea-Compound-Emerges-as-Potential-Natural-Treatment-for-Endometriosis
Endometriosis is a chronic disorder where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside the womb, causing pain, inflammation, and in many cases, infertility. This
Medical News report highlights how traditional treatments—mostly hormonal therapies or surgeries—are often not enough, come with side effects, or fail to prevent the disease from coming back. As a result, scientists are now turning to nature for safer alternatives.
What Makes EGCG So Special
EGCG is a powerful antioxidant compound found in green tea leaves, and it’s already known for its anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and heart-protective properties. In the context of endometriosis, EGCG works by targeting multiple processes involved in the disease. It helps reduce inflammation, blocks the formation of new blood vessels that feed the endometrial lesions (a process known as angiogenesis), slows down abnormal cell growth, promotes cell death (apoptosis), and stops scar tissue formation (fibrosis).
Researchers examined dozens of laboratory and animal studies and found that EGCG consistently reduced the size and number of endometrial lesions. In some experiments, mice given EGCG showed significantly less tissue growth and inflammation compared to untreated ones. It also helped suppress key molecules involved in the disease’s progression, such as TGF-β1, VEGF, and various genes linked to cell proliferation.
New Delivery Methods Improve Effectiveness
One of the challenges with using EGCG as a medicine is that it has low stability in the body and poor absorption when taken orally. To address this, scientists developed a more stable and potent version of the compound called “pro-EGCG.” This modified form is more easily absorbed and has shown even stronger effects in animal studies, including a dramatic 80% reduction in lesion size and lower chances of recurrence.
Another exciting development involves combining EGCG with nanotechnology. Researchers designed nanoparticles to deliver EGCG directly to the affected tissues, enhancing its effectiveness while minimizing side effects. These tiny carriers also allow EGCG to work better alongside other drugs like doxycycline, boosting their overall impact on endometriosis.
Early Human Trials Offer Glimmers of Hop
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A clinical trial in China involving 185 women tested a green tea extract containing EGCG over three months. Although final results haven’t been published yet, the study was designed to evaluate both safety and treatment effectiveness using advanced imaging and biopsies.
Importantly, the current evidence suggests that EGCG and its derivatives don’t interfere with hormone levels like estrogen or progesterone—making them safer options for long-term use compared to traditional hormone therapies. Some side effects such as mild hypertension and possible liver toxicity have been noted in isolated cases, but overall, the compound appears to be well tolerated.
Key Takeaways and What Lies Ahead
This comprehensive review has provided strong evidence that EGCG—especially in its enhanced forms like pro-EGCG or when delivered via nanoparticles—may offer a safer, more natural alternative or complement to existing endometriosis treatments. It not only addresses the symptoms but may also help prevent the progression and recurrence of the disease.
However, researchers caution that most findings so far are based on lab and animal models, which don’t fully replicate the complexities of human endometriosis. Large-scale, well-structured clinical trials are urgently needed to confirm whether these promising results translate to real-world treatments. Until then, EGCG remains a hopeful candidate but not yet a guaranteed cure.
For women who suffer from the daily burden of endometriosis, the idea of finding relief from something as accessible as green tea is incredibly appealing. But before stocking up on tea bags or supplements, it’s essential to wait for more data and consult healthcare providers.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Nutrients.
https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/17/13/2068
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https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/herbs-and-phytochemicals
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