Published online Aug 10, 2014. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v5.i3.520
Revised: February 12, 2014
Accepted: April 9, 2014
Published online: August 10, 2014
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. In recent years, many in vitro and in vivo studies indicate that green tea possesses anti-cancer effects. The epidemiological studies, however, have produced inconclusive results in humans. Likewise, results from animal models about the preventive or therapeutic effects of green tea components are inconclusive. The mechanisms by which green tea intake may influence the risk of breast cancer in humans remain elusive mechanisms by which green tea intake may influence. Here, we review recent studies of green tea polyphenols and their applications in the prevention and treatment of breast cancer. Furthermore, we discuss the effect of green tea components on breast cancer by reviewing epidemiological studies, animal model studies and clinical trials. At last, we discuss the mechanisms by which green tea components suppress the development and recurrence of breast cancer. A better understanding of the mechanisms will improve the utilization of green tea in breast cancer prevention and therapy and pave the way to novel prevention and treatment strategies for breast cancer.
Core tip: Green tea components, especially epigallocatechin-3-gallate, possess anti-breast cancer effects. However, their effects on breast cancer prevention and therapy are still inconclusive. The anti-tumor mechanisms of green tea remain elusive. This review focuses on epidemiological and animal studies on green tea components against tumorigenesis, as well as possible mechanisms involved.