Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) in Healthy, Young Adults - Full Text View

Purpose

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin (sometimes referred to as tea flavonoids) in green tea extract. A review by Nagle et al (2006) identifies that a large amount of research indicates EGCG (amongst other catechins) is responsible for most of the potential health benefits associated with green tea. EGCG is brain permeable (Nakagawa & Miyazawa, 1997), and it is considered to have neuroprotective and neurorescue effects including modulation of cell survival and cell cycle genes (Levites et al 2002).

Although there have been several human studies looking at the bioavailability of EGCG when administered in varying doses, there have been no studies that have specifically investigated the cognitive effects of this catechin in humans. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to assess the cerebral blood flow (using Near Infrared Spectroscopy), cerebro-electrical activity (EEG) and behavioural effects of EGCG. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, balanced crossover study will assess the effects of 135 mg and 270 mg pure EGCG in 24 healthy, young adults (18-35). Prior to the first active study day participants will attend a screening/training visit where relevant exclusion criteria will be assessed including any food sensitivities. They will also complete a caffeine consumption questionnaire in order to control for potential caffeine withdrawal effects as a result of restrictions of the study.

Condition	Intervention	Phase
Cognitive Function Mood	Dietary Supplement: EGCG Dietary Supplement: Placebo	Phase 4

Study Type:	Interventional
Study Design:	Allocation: Randomized Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study Intervention Model: Crossover Assignment Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor) Primary Purpose: Basic Science
Official Title:	Cerebral Blood Flow, Cerebro-electrical Activity and Behavioural Effects of Epigallocatechin Gallate (EGCG) Administration in Healthy, Young Adults

Further study details as provided by Northumbria University:

Primary Outcome Measures:

Modulation of Levels of Total Haemoglobin [ Time Frame: 42 minutes ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
This measure assessed changes in levels of total haemoglobin during the 42 minute post- dose task period. Levels are in μmol/L and represent change from baseline levels.

Secondary Outcome Measures:

Number of Participants With Significant Modulation of Cognitive Performance [ Time Frame: 42 minutes ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
The cognitive performance of participants was assessed via a range of computerised, mentally demanding, executive function tasks: Serial 3s and 7s subtractions, oddball reaction time task, rapid visual information processing, stroop and simple reaction time.These tasks were completed at baseline and then again 45 minutes after treatment administration. Significant modulation was determined if participants' post dose scores were significantly higher than baseline.
Number of Participants With Significant Modulation of Mood. [ Time Frame: 42 minutes ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
Mood was assessed via computerised visual analogue scales at baseline and post- dose time points. Mood scores were calculated as change from baseline. And significant modulation was determined if baseline scores were significantly different to post dose.

Enrollment:	32
Study Start Date:	August 2009
Study Completion Date:	December 2009
Primary Completion Date:	December 2009 (Final data collection date for primary outcome measure)

Arms	Assigned Interventions
Active Comparator: 135mg EGCG	Dietary Supplement: EGCG Acute oral administration of capsules containing either: 0mg, 135mg or 270mg. One dosage administered on each of three separate study days. Other Name: Teavigo Dietary Supplement: Placebo Pharmaceutical grade silica was utilized as placebo
Active Comparator: 270mg EGCG	Dietary Supplement: EGCG Acute oral administration of capsules containing either: 0mg, 135mg or 270mg. One dosage administered on each of three separate study days. Other Name: Teavigo Dietary Supplement: Placebo Pharmaceutical grade silica was utilized as placebo
Placebo Comparator: 0mg EGCG	Dietary Supplement: EGCG Acute oral administration of capsules containing either: 0mg, 135mg or 270mg. One dosage administered on each of three separate study days. Other Name: Teavigo Dietary Supplement: Placebo Pharmaceutical grade silica was utilized as placebo

Eligibility

Ages Eligible for Study:	18 Years to 35 Years
Genders Eligible for Study:	Both
Accepts Healthy Volunteers:	Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

healthy
aged 18-35
either caffeine consumers (consume more than 150mg caffeine per day) or non-consumers (consume less than 44mg caffeine per day).

Exclusion Criteria:

smoke or consume any tobacco products
not proficient in English language
pregnant (or seeking to become pregnant)
taking recreational, over the counter/prescription medication (including the contraceptive pill), and/or dietary/herbal supplements
have food allergies or sensitivities
have history of/current head trauma, learning difficulties , ADHD, migraines or any gastric problems

Contacts and Locations

Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00981292

Locations

United Kingdom
Northumbria University
Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom, NE1 8ST

Sponsors and Collaborators

Northumbria University

Investigators

Principal Investigator:

Crystal Haskell

Northumbria University

More Information

No publications provided

Responsible Party:	Crystal Haskell, Research Fellow, Northumbria University
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:	NCT00981292 History of Changes
Other Study ID Numbers:	24Z1
Study First Received:	September 21, 2009
Results First Received:	June 25, 2010
Last Updated:	March 20, 2012
Health Authority:	United Kingdom: Research Ethics Committee

Keywords provided by Northumbria University:

Epigallocatechin Gallate
cerebral blood flow
Near Infrared spectroscopy
Electroencephalography

cognitive function
mood
cerebro-electrical activity

Additional relevant MeSH terms:

Epigallocatechin gallate
Antioxidants
Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action
Pharmacologic Actions
Protective Agents
Physiological Effects of Drugs

Antimutagenic Agents
Anticarcinogenic Agents
Antineoplastic Agents
Therapeutic Uses
Neuroprotective Agents
Central Nervous System Agents

ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on May 16, 2013