Green Tea (camellia sinensis, camellia thea, Chinese tea, Dexatrim (reformulated), green tea extract, GTE, Japanese tea, Matsu-cha tea, Theaceae, Theanine, theifers)

Suggested dosing of Camellia sinensis, camellia thea (green tea)

1-10 cups PO qD; 1 tsp tea leaves/ 8 oz boiling water

 

Mental Alertness

1 cup or 60 mg caffeine (3 cups = 240-320 mg polyphenols)

 

Hyperlipidemia

>10 cups/day

 

Suggested uses of Camellia sinensis, camellia thea (green tea)

Cancer (prevention), cognitive improvement, Crohn's disease, diuresis, genital warts, headaches, heart disease (prevention), Parkinson's disease (prevention), stomach disorders, weight loss (combination products), hypercholesterolemia

 

Efficacy

Possibly effective for listed uses

Studies show benefit in prevention of bladder, esophageal, pancreatic cancer; neg. results for stomach cancer

 

Camellia sinensis, camellia thea (green tea) adverse (side) effects

Frequency not defined

Agitation

Anxiety

Arrhythmias

Constipation

Convulsions

Delirium

Dependence

Diarrhea

Diuresis

Dizziness

GI upset

Headache

Heartburn

Hepatotoxicity

Hyperglycemia

Hypertension

Increased cholesteroL

Increased respiration

Insomnia

Irritability

Loss of appetite

Nausea/vomiting

Nervousness

Palpitations

Restlessness

Tachycardia

Tinnitus

Tremor

Withdrawal symptoms

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity

Avoid prior to surgery: may cause bleeding

 

Cautions

Anxiety disorders, arrhythmias, cardiac disease, depression, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, kidney disease, ulcers (gastric/duodenal)

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: avoid use

Lactation: avoid use

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Camellia sinensis, camellia thea (green tea)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

 

Mechanism of action

Contains polyphenols (flavonoids): antioxidant, reduce DNA oxidative damage, inhib. carcinogen formation (e.g., nitrosamines)

Caffeine: CNS stimulant