By now I have a rather daunting backlog of Science Daily updates in my e-box…so, whenever I have a snippet of time, I try to go through a few. As I did yesterday, which is when I came upon a very promising article (http://tinyurl.com/qxcf96) on EGCG, extracted, as we know, from green tea.
A recently-published Mayo Clinic trial report tells us that EGCG (capsule form) is well-tolerated by CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) patients, even at high doses….by the way, according to the Mayo researchers, even those who took as many as 2 grams twice a day did not reach the maximum tolerated dose…
A few exciting trial results: lymphocyte count was reduced in one-third of participants. Furthermore, The majority of individuals who entered the study with enlarged lymph nodes saw a 50 percent or greater decline in their lymph node size.
EGCG is currently being tested on CLL patients in Phase I and II trials. In fact, I just checked the Clinical Trials website and found that the Mayo Clinic study is still recruiting, so if you have CLL, you might be interested in seeing whether you might qualify: http://tinyurl.com/neld9s
Well, well. Good stuff. I have been thinking about adding EGCG to my intake (again). Since I have been so busy recently, though, I have been taking only my regular daily dose of curcumin, quercetin and fish oil…a mere 24 capsules a day…ah yes, I think it’s about time to add more capsules to my regimen…
Ah, here is the link to the study abstract, published in the “Journal of Clinical Oncology” on May 26 2009: http://tinyurl.com/lz3ar5
Margaret-
Thanks for writing about ECGC. You made me aware of curcumin first and I have since added green tea extract (ECGC), grape seed extract, fish oil, resveritrol, vit D. Each of these supplements have documented anti cancer or anti-mm properties.
http://beating-myeloma.org/subject/green-tea
beating-myeloma.org/subject/grape-seed-extract
beating-myeloma.org/subject/fish-oil
beating-myeloma.org/subject/resveratrol
beating-myeloma.org/subject/vitamin-d
beating-myeloma.org/subject/curcumin
David Emerson
One thing to mention is that these excellent results were only in early stage CLL patients. (It is a bit dismaying that these folks failed to tell those of us not in the trial about the large doses used in the trial. I’ve been apparently wasting my time with 450 mg per day.)
Also, if memory serves me correctly, the maximum dose tried was a stunning 6 grams per day, which led to no significant toxicities (not in this study, though it is referenced here).
However, the drug isn’t with out side effects. Platelet effectiveness can take a hit and liver values should be watched.
As you can probably read between the lines, I’ve tried EGCG using a variety of supplements. One cannot purchase the specific supplement used in this trial as far as I can discern.
My results were at best no change. Of course I might have already slipped into stage III when I tried this, though at that time I was untreated.
Scott,
Thanks for alerting us about platelets dropping with EGCG. I have been taking 2 – 3 grams ( 2,000 – 3,000 mgs) daily and my lymph nodes have reduced my over 50%, my lymphocytes reduced by 20% in recent blood test – but – my platelets reduced by 30%. I have never read about reduced platelets w/EGCG until your post. Can you please let us know where we can read this?
Much appreciated,
John
Dear Sir,
Where can i get EGCG capsules in INDIA for CLL early stage treatment.
Thanks and regards.
K.K.Murty.
K.K.Murty, I got mine from vitacost from the usa. I am not sure whether they ship it to India but you can check. I got mine shipped to Singapore and evenually through a friend to Malaysia, since they dont ship to Malaysia.
Has anyone experienced breathlessness with EGCG at doses of 2000mg a day?