Green Tea Reverses Mental Deterioration in Animals
Study description: Researchers explored
the effects of oolong and green tea on memory deficits and pathological brain
changes in mice genetically programmed to age rapidly.
Type of study: Animal
Study methods:
Six month-old mice programmed to age rapidly were
given oolong tea, green tea or water (the control group) as their sole drinking
fluid for 16 weeks. Their memory ability was evaluated by passive and active
avoidance tests. The extent of their brain degeneration was evaluated by
measuring spongy degeneration and lipofuscin in the hippocampus of the brain.
What happened: The mice receiving oolong
or green tea actually reversed the cognitive impairment and lessened the spongy
degeneration and lipofuscin in their brains.
Researchers' conclusion: "In conclusion,
oolong and green teas could reduce the deteriorations of cognitive ability,
brain degenerative changes and aging process in [rapidly aging mice] through the
potent antioxidative activity of the tea."
Citation: Chan YC, Hosoda K, Tsai CJ, et
al. Favorable effects of tea on reducing the cognitive deficits and brain
morphological changes in senescence-accelerated mice. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol
(Tokyo) 2006;52(4):266-73. (Click here to read PubMed study
abstract.)
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