Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia [1], which impact is presently moderate if we consider the future forecasts, as they predicted that 1 in 85 people or 1,75% will be affected by Alzheimer's disease by 2050 [1,2]. The World Health Organization (WHO) calculated the total amount of people affected by Alzheimer's disease would be about 25 million worldwide by 2025 [3], actual figures estimate that today, that amount has reached the incredible figure of 33.9 million! people affected by Alzheimer's disease [4], and foreseen to triple in the coming 40 years, affecting some 800,000 people in the UK alone [7].

In spite Alzheimer's disease can occur at any age, it is very seldom that cases are reported between the age of 40 to 50 years, and chances to get affected by Alzheimer's disease are increasing between 60 and 65 years old.

The University of Leeds published an article in the Journal of Biological Chemistry about their findings on how these two compounds, namely Resveratrol from red wine and green tea active constituent epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) [7] can prevent the deposition of  β-amyloid plaques and prevent Alzheimer's disease. Image left: Tea harvest by Oli Studholme under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0).

CAMELIA SINENSIS

Family: Teaceae
Genus: Camelia
Common name: Green tea

If you are one of those wondering whether you'll be victim of Alzheimer's disease or any of those 21st century neurodegenerative diseases, green tea may be a possible option to try to avoid them.

In a recent study published in the Molecular Nutrition & Food Research journal, researchers from the Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China, have found that Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the main polyphenolic constituent of green tea that is known to exert anticancer properties and already known for its capability to inhibit carcinogenesis, may be used for the prevention and treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases [10]. Image left: зеленый чай / green teaby panafotkas under Creative Commons License (CC BY-SA 2.0).

CAMELIA SINENSIS

Family: Teaceae
Genus: Camelia
Common name: Green tea

Obesity is, together with cancer, one of the 21st century problems in developed countries, contributing to increased mortality. According to data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006 and 2007–2008, over two-thirds of adults in the United States are overweight or obese, and over one-third are obese [1,2].

Fortunately some scientists and researchers keep on investigating some foods or supplements such as green tea, fiber, and calcium supplements or dairy products that may complement a healthy lifestyle to produce small weight losses or prevent weight gain over time [3]. Image left: China green tea by Marius B under Creative Commons License (CC BY 2.0).

Some of the properties and health benefits of green tea, rich in Polyphenols, and some of the active constituents that may be linked to this weight-loss properties are discussed in this article.

CAMELIA SINENSIS

Family: Teaceae
Genus: Camelia
Common name: Green tea

A rough estimation of the World Health Organization (WHO) calculated the total amount of people affected by Alzheimer's disease would be about 25 million worldwide by 2025 [6], actual figures estimate that today, 2012, that amount has reached the incredible figure of 33.9 million! people affected by Alzheimer's disease [7], and foreseen to triple in the coming 40 years. In spite Alzheimer's disease can occur at any age, it is very seldom that cases are reported between the age of 40 to 50 years, and chances to get affected by Alzheimer's disease are increasing between 60 and 65 years old.

Many lines of investigation to prevent and even treat Alzheimer's disease are open, some of them involving natural molecules and phytochemicals found in herbs and plants. But, what are the past, present and future lines of investigation on the field Alzheimer's disease involving the use of these natural molecules and phytochemicals found in herbs and plants? This article covers the principle lines of investigation involving the latests findings on active constituents found in herbs and plants.