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Posted on May 14, 2008, 8 p.m.
By Jeanelle Topping
New research has suggested that some of the compounds found in green tea could help guard against the cognitive deficits that occur with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
New research has suggested that some of the compounds found in green tea could help guard against the cognitive deficits that occur with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
Scientists from the Kosair Children's Hospital Research Institute at the University of Louisville published their findings in the American Thoracic Society's American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
Their tests involved the effects of green tea polyphenols (GTP) on rats that were occasionally deprived of oxygen during 12-hour night-like period. The team explained that irregularly stopping oxygen flows simulated their experiences of people with intermittent hypoxia (IH).
They added that previous research had shown that people with OSA can develop learning and psychological disabilities as a result of the condition.
During the tests, some rats were given GTP in their water and others were not. The animals were then monitored for markers of inflammation and oxidative stress and encouraged to perform spatial learning and memory tasks.
It was discovered that the rats given the green tea-treated water performed significantly better in all tests.
Dr David Gozal concluded GTPs "may represent a potential interventional strategy for patients' with sleep-disordered breathing".
