Although it has been available antituberculosis drugs (TB), TB remains a major global health problem. The causes, characteristics of the bacteria that causes TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, is able to evade the human immune system so it is sometimes less effective for therapy.
Analyzed several studies and concluded that green tea (Camellia sinensis) may be used as adjuvant therapy (support) for the existing TB therapies. This is because green tea contains polyphenol compounds that can inhibit the proliferation of mycobacteria, namely epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Each gram contains 30-50 grams of green tea EGCG.
Actually black tea also contains polyphenols EGCG, but not as much as green tea. Black tea production process makes the content of EGCG reduced.
"It's very interesting because in our country there are lots of green tea, but less than optimal utilization of health."
Enhance the immune
Experts say that EGCG has a mechanism as an immunomodulator, which boosts the immune system that can kill mycobacteria while simultaneously lowering the immune system that can damage normal cells. The mechanism is not found in anti-TB drugs in use today.
Other benefits of EGCG is an antioxidant that is 10 times more powerful than antioxidant vitamins C and 100 times stronger than vitamin E.
In addition, EGCG can also inhibit the growth of Taco (tryptophan aspartate-containing coat protein) in macrophages. Macrophages are the immune cells that destroy defective cells as well as turn off harmful substances, such as bacteria or viruses. On the other hand, macrophages can not destroy mycobacteria because it is protected by Taco, a protein produced macrophages.
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