Green Tea May Reduce Joint Pain And Inflammation Caused By Rheumatoid Arthritis

First Posted: Jun 01, 2016 07:05 AM EDT

A study reveals that a compound that can be found in green tea can fight the inflammation, joint pain and tissue damage caused by rheumatoid arthritis.

The study was published in Arthritis and Rheumatology, a journal of the American College of Rheumatology. It was led by researchers from Washington University, according to Science Daily.

Sala-Uddin Ahmed, the lead author of the study said that existing drugs for rheumatoid arthritis are expensive, immunosuppressive and sometimes unsuitable for long-term use. She and the some other scholars assessed a phytochemical called epigallocatechin-3 gallate (EGCG), which is a molecule that can be found in green tea. This compound has anti-inflammatory properties.

The study showed that EGCG is a potential compound that can treat rheumatoid arthritis. This is because the molecule blocks the effects of rheumatoid arthritis without hindering other cellular functions. The study was confirmed when the researchers conducted an animal study wherein the ankles swelling in animals were reduced when they were given EGCG for 10 days.

6 reasons to drink more green tea this morning: https://t.co/C40t46gH3U pic.twitter.com/4L1WQIfseH

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WebMD states that rheumatoid arthritis is the inflammation of joint that causes swelling, pain within the joint, warmth and redness. This may affect hands, knees and wrists. The symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include stiffness, fatigue, joint pain and swelling.

This disease affects about 1 percent Americans. It is more common to women that in men. On the other hand, men have more severe symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis usually starts at the middle age. The real cause of it is not yet known. Some experts say that smoking may lead to rheumatoid arthritis and there are certain genetic patterns that people would more likely have rheumatoid arthritis. There is also something that triggers the immune system which attacks the joints and sometimes the organs.