In this study, researchers found that duration of skin toxicity following radiotherapy decreased by 5 to 10 days after treatment of the skin with tea extracts.

Tea extracts are thought to reduce inflammation. Green tea extracts were more effective than black tea extracts for some patients. Tea extracts reduce the release of inflammatory cytokines.

In humans, green tea extracts worked better than black tea to reduce inflammation.

Researchers believe it is the polyphenols in tea which are most responsible for tea’s anti-inflammatory properties.

This is good news for those undergoing radiation therapy, as treatment with tea extracts can reduce healing time by many days.