Effects of epigallocatechin gallate-enriched green tea extract capsules in uterine myomas: results of an observational study.

Abstract

The daily ingestion of green tea extract (GTE) capsules in women with oligo- or asymptomatic uterine myomas was monitored over 6months with regard to their quality of life, myoma-associated complaints and side effects. The participants were interviewed and examined at the beginning of the study (T1) and then again after 6months (T3). Quality of life was assessed using a SF-12 questionnaire while their myoma-associated complaints were ascertained by using a self-developed myoma symptom questionnaire. Changes in the size of the myomas were evaluated by vaginal sonography. Side effects after 3months (T2) and 6months were documented by systematic interviews. Overall; 25 participants (median 45years) have been enrolled. The analysis of the SF-12 questionnaire showed a significant improvement of the physical cumulative score of the SF-12 during the 6month GTE capsule ingestion (T1: mean value (M) = 52.731; 95% confidence interval (KI95%): 49.791-55.671; T3: M = 55.862; KI95%%: 55.038-56.685; p = 0.019). However, the mental cumulative score of the SF-12 did not change significantly (p = 0.674). No significant correlation could be established between the capsule ingestion and changes in the symptom questionnaire, the laboratory parameters nor the myoma size. No relevant adverse side effects were reported. Women who took GTE capsules showed a significant improvement in their physical cumulative score on the SF-12, but not in the global QoL score. Myoma size or other objective parameters did not change.