Polyphenols in Green Tea Cause Liver Damage At High Doses

The researchers injected high and low doses of the experimental compound into mice and found that though at low doses, it counteracted free radical damage; it produced liver toxicity at high concentrations. Low concentration admistered is roughly equivalent to the amount of the polyphenols commonly found in black tea/ green tea packages.

Only a small amount of the ingested polyphenols is being absorbed by the intestine. Data regarding metabolism and absorption of the compound is inadequate. The researchers have therefore highlighted the need for extensive clinical trials involving large number of patients to determine the risk-benefit ratio.

The study does not advice refraining from drinking black/green tea but has urged caution among those who would want to exploit the anti-oxidant effect of through consumption of concentrated forms of the compound, probably in a pill form.