Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a dangerous and widespread infection of the intestinal tract.
The chemicals in green tea, particularly the catechins like EGCG, show profound inhibition of Helicobacter pylori bacterial growth, as well as protection against inflammatory reactions and toxic damage from the bacteria (Stoicov, Green tea inhibits Helicobacter growth in vivo and in vitro, International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents, May 2009).
Because this bacterial infection is so widespread, the increased use of antibiotics has led to the development of antibiotic resistance. Green tea Helicobacter pylori research has also shown effectiveness against antibiotic resistant bacterial strains , as well as increasing the effectiveness of existing drugs.
H. pylori infects about half the world’s population, and contributes to chronic gastritis, peptic ulcers, and stomach cancer.