Systematic review: green tea and gastrointestinal cancer risk

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#beverages #cross-sectional-studies #gastrointestinal-neoplasms #precancerous-conditions #risk-factors

Systematic review: green tea and gastrointestinal cancer risk

Borrelli et al., 2004 | Aliment Pharmacol Ther | Systematic Review

Citation

Borrelli F, Capasso R, ... Ernst E. Systematic review: green tea and gastrointestinal cancer risk. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2004-Mar-01;19(5):497-510

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality in the world. Therefore, numerous efforts are being made to find chemoprotective substances able to reduce its incidence. Amongst these, green tea, one of the most popular beverages world-wide, has been reported to provide protective effects against gastrointestinal cancer. AIM: To critically evaluate all epidemiological studies reporting an association between green tea consumption and a reduced risk of gastrointestinal cancer. METHODS: Epidemiological studies of green tea consumption in relation to gastrointestinal cancer or preneoplastic lesions were identified through computerized literature searches using the following databases: Medline (Pubmed), Embase, Amed, CISCOM, Phytobase and Cochrane Library. Only epidemiological studies indicating the type of tea (green tea) and the site of either cancer or precancerous lesions (stomach or intestine) were included. No language restrictions were imposed. RESULTS: Twenty-one epidemiological investigations met our inclusion/exclusion criteria. CONCLUSION: These studies seemed to suggest a protective effect of green tea on adenomatous polyps and chronic atrophic gastritis formations. By contrast, there was no clear epidemiological evidence to support the suggestion that green tea plays a role in the prevention of stomach and intestinal cancer.

Key Findings

Twenty-one epidemiological investigations met our inclusion/exclusion criteria.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Beverages
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Gastrointestinal Neoplasms
  • Precancerous Conditions
  • Risk Factors
  • Tea

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: green-tea

Provenance

  • PMID: 14987318
  • DOI: (not available)
  • PMCID: Not in PMC
  • Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09