Now Tea can be a panacea for Alzheimer patients and boost memory

Results of laboratory tests by a team from the University of Newcastle has found that Green and Black tea inhibit the activity of certain enzymes in the brain which are associated with memory.

The findings may lead to the development of a new treatment for a form of dementia which affects an estimated ten million people worldwide, Alzheimer's Disease.For their experiment, the research team, from Newcastle University's Medicinal Plant Research Centre, investigated the properties of Coffee, Green and Black tea in a series of scientific experiments. Black tea – traditional English breakfast tea – is derived from the same plant as Green tea, Camellia Sinensis, but has a different taste and appearance because it is fermented.

They found that both green and black tea inhibited the activity of enzymes associated with the development of Alzheimer's Disease, but coffee had no significant effect. Both teas inhibited the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which breaks down the chemical messenger or neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Alzheimer's is characterised by a drop in acetylcholine. Green tea and Black tea also hinder the activity of the enzyme butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), which has been discovered in protein deposits which are found on the brain of patients with Alzheimer's.

Green tea went one step further in that it obstructed the activity of beta-secretase, which plays a role in the production of protein deposits in the brain which are associated with Alzheimer's disease. Scientists also found that it continued to have its inhibitive effect for a week, whereas black tea's enzyme-inhibiting properties lasted for only one day.

There is no cure for Alzheimer's but it is possible to slow the development of the disease. Drugs currently on the market hinder the activity of AChE, and others are being developed which scientists hope will inhibit the activity of BuChE and beta-secretase.However, many of the drugs currently available, such as donepezil, have unpleasant side effects and the medical profession is keen to find alternatives like tea.

The Newcastle University researchers are now seeking funding to carry out further tests on Green tea, which they hope will include clinical trials. Their aim is to work towards the development of a medicinal tea which is specifically aimed at Alzheimer's sufferers.

Lead researcher, Dr Ed Okello, who is also a lecturer with Newcastle University's School of Biology, said: "Although there is no cure for Alzheimer's, tea could potentially be another weapon in the armoury which is used to treat this disease and slow down its development. It would be wonderful if our work could help improve the quality of life for millions of sufferers

These findings are particularly exciting for Indians as tea is already a very popular drink in India, it is inexpensive, and there do not seem to be any adverse side effects when it is consumed.