Efficacy of green tea in the prevention of cancers

Sturgeon et al., 2009 | Nurs Health Sci | Systematic Review

Citation

Sturgeon Jenna L, Williams Mary, van Servellen Gwen. Efficacy of green tea in the prevention of cancers. Nurs Health Sci. 2009-Dec;11(4):436-46. doi:10.1111/j.1442-2018.2009.00476.x

Abstract

Understanding the literature about the efficacy of green tea consumption in preventing and slowing the progression of cancers is critical. A systematic review of the literature was conducted using an electronic search to identify studies from 2000 to 2008 in the following database: Alt HealthWatch, CINAHL, Medline, Health Source--Consumer Edition, Health Source: Nursing/Academic Edition, Web of Science (ISI), and the Cochrane Library. Although the evidence from this review suggested associations between green tea consumption and a decreased risk for some cancers, the findings were inconclusive. In selected cases, green tea was effective in slowing the progression of the earlier stages of cancer. However, contrary evidence is reported and the dose and duration of use is variable. Most evidence stems from self-reports. Research using more rigorous designs to investigate the efficacy of green tea in humans is needed.

Key Findings

Research using more rigorous designs to investigate the efficacy of green tea in humans is needed.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

Adult
Aged
Anticarcinogenic Agents
Asia
Beverages
Complementary Therapies
Confidence Intervals
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Neoplasms
Odds Ratio
Risk
Tea

Evidence Classification

Level: Systematic Review
Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
Vertical: green-tea

Provenance

PMID: 19909454
DOI: 10.1111/j.1442-2018.2009.00476.x
PMCID: Not in PMC
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

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