Herbal therapy may Halt Eye Blood Vessel Growth

Researchers in Sweden report in the journal Nature (vol. 398, April 1, 1999; p. 381) inhibition of angiogenesis (new blood vessel growth) through consumption of Green Tea. The report states that one of the components of green tea, epigallocatechin-3-gallate "significantly prevents the growth of new blood vessels in animals. The report also states, "Drinking green tea significantly prevents corneal neovascularization induced by one of the most potent angiogenic factors, VEGF (in mice). Compared with a control group of mice that drank water alone, drinking tea significantly prevented VEGF-induced corneal neovascularization."  Corneal neovascularization occurs when the cornea is deprived of oxygen secondary to contact lens wear or infection and can ultimately to corneal blindness. Possible implications of this therapy range from anti-tumour benefits to wet macular
degeneration prevention.