Green Tea may Lessen Effectiveness of Hypertension Medications

Many of us might carry a tin of green tea in our cupboard at home. Statistics show that this herbal infusion caries powerful antioxidants with the potential to help increase weight loss and relax the body. However, a recent study suggests that though the drug may help lower blood pressure, it could also make hypertension drugs less effective.

According to Japanese researchers from Fukushima Medical University, they discovered that the blood-pressure drug nadolo is less effective after drinking green tea.

Their latest study involved men and women who were given nadolol once after drinking two cups of green tea a day for two weeks, and again after drinking water.

Findings revealed that green tea diluted the blood-pressure drug by cutting the concentration that entered the bloodstream by up to three quarters. The study authors believe that the chemicals found in the product may actually interfere with the intestine's ability to absorb and transfer the drug into the bloodstream.

"Patients with nadolol should avoid taking green tea," researchers note, via the Daily Mail.

"Individuals who take nadolol and also consume green tea should be aware of this potential interaction and discuss this with their physician," said Dr. Gregg Fonarow, a spokesman for the American Heart Association who was not part of the study, according to HealthDay.

What do you think?

More information regarding the study can be found via the journal Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics.