Just a heads up on green tea

[LaurenG]

On online friend of mine is one of the authors of this study and I found it interesting that green tea would have antibiotic qualities, but it does. There is some evidence that it even has some affect against anthrax.


Title: Antibiotic Activities of Green Tea Catechins and Green Tea Extracts at Nanomolar Levels Against the Foodborne Pathogen Bacillus Cereus

Authors
item Friedman, Mendel
item Henika, Philip
item Levin, Carol
item Mandrell, Robert - rob

Submitted to: Journal of Food Protection
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: July 13, 2005
Publication Date: January 10, 2006
Citation: Friedman, M., Henika, P.R., Levin, C.E., Mandrell, R.E. 2006. Antibiotic activities of green tea catechins and green tea extracts at nanomolar levels against the foodborne pathogen bacillus cereus. Journal of Food Protection. 69:100-107.

Interpretive Summary: As part of an effort designed to develop antimicrobial food formulations that will protect both the food and the consumer against pathogenic bacteria and viruses, we evaluated the bactericidal activities of eleven of polyphenolic catechins present in green teas and of four green tea extracts against the foodborne pathogen Bacillus cereus reported to contaminate baked goods, carrots, meat, milk products, rice, sauces, soups, sprouts, and zucchini. The results show that three of the catechins exhibited exceptional bactericidal activities at very low levels in the nanomolar range. They were more active than medicinal antibiotics such as tetracycline and vancomycin. Future studies should define their antimicrobial effectiveness in foods and feeds and as disinfectants of surfaces of non-food items such as cutting boards.

http://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publications.htm?SEQ_NO_115=169867

[Duppers]

1. antibiotic qualities, most interesting

I knew about its antioxidant qualities, but its antibiotic one. thanks for posting.