Green tea may help with bladder problems

PITTSBURGH, May 21 (UPI) -- A University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine study found that components of green tea protect bladder cells from inflammation damage.

Bladder inflammation has been associated with incontinence, or interstitial cystitis, a condition that results in recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region.

In the study, normal and cancerous bladder cells were exposed to two major catechin components of green tea: epigallocatechin gallate, or EGCG, and epicatechin gallate, or ECG, for 23 hours.

Both significantly protected cell lines from exposure to hydrogen peroxide, which damages or kills cells. The concentrations of EGCG and ECG used in the study were at levels that may be achieved through dietary intake, according to Dr. Michael B. Chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

"We discovered that catechins found in green tea protected both normal and cancerous bladder cells from inflammation when we exposed the cells to hydrogen peroxide," Chancellor said in a statement.

"Although further studies are needed, these results indicate herbal supplements from green tea could be a treatment option for various bladder conditions that are caused by injury or inflammation."

The findings are being presented at the annual meeting of the American Urological Association in Anaheim, Calif.