March 24/Montreal/Cardiovascular Device Liability Week -- Long known to be beneficial in heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, a new study finds a specific green tea extract may delay or prevent Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The 50% pure extraction of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) incorporates a flavonoid which is the most potent of four major catechins in green tea. The study was performed by Dr. Stephane Bastianetto at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute, McGill University in Montreal.
In the study, rats were fed food that contained the extract, compared to a control group whose food did not contain the extract. Results showed that rats who ate the extract had an 18% reduction of free radicals in a key region of the brain involved with learning and memory. This region is severely damaged when Alzheimer's is present.