A UC-San Francisco pilot study associated a reversal in fibrosis with an over the counter supplement, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). This plant-based compound can be found in green tea.
“In sequential order, half the patients were given capsules of EGCG (Teavigo) at a daily dose of 600 mg for 14 days before they underwent biopsy (treated group), and the other half did not receive the capsules (untreated group),” the study explains. Levels of fibrotic markers in lung-biopsy samples were lower in the EGCG-treated patients than in 10 similar, but untreated, patients.
“Serum biomarkers indicative of progression of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) do not decrease in response to drugs that have been approved for use in such patients by the Food and Drug Administration. Surprisingly, during 14 days of EGCG treatment, we found decreased amounts of two fibroblast-derived serum biomarkers, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein and periostin, which have been associated with IPF activity and prognosis, a finding that is consistent with an antifibrotic effect. Our data suggest that in patients with interstitial lung disease, EGCG treatment was associated with a reduction in fibrogenesis and thus may provide equipoise for the performance of a long-term, randomized clinical trial of ECGC involving patients with this condition,” the study said.
Although inconclusive, this exciting discovery may provide an ethical basis for a long-term, randomized clinical trial. We commend the investigators for their innovative research and thank Three Lakes Partners and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for their funding.
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Please send me more information on treatment for ipf with ECGC and how I can be part of this
I am a 39 year old female and I have IPF. I was diagnosed in Dec. of 2011. my progression has be slow but none the less it is wearing me down. If by any chance this can really help and you need volunteers please contact me.
My husband died two and half years ago from ipf.
A prominent hospital could not diagnose it for weeks.
If I’ve learn about it, why couldn’t the hospital diagnose it.
He died less than four weeks.
Please find a cure.
I have been living with ipf since 2016, but I know my time is getting short. I’m looking to get a transplant. I have been on oxygen for 6 mo. Now. I’m having to pay for house work and stuff now .My husband passed away last March so I’m living on my own but find it more difficult every day. I just thank the Lord Jesus Christ for being my Lord ,savior and guide. I also have been on Esperiet the last app. 4 years. God Bless each of you looking for an answer. He’s the only answer.
My heart goes out to you in the loss of your husband. IPF shouldn’t be ignored. It seems from what I have read about it, that it is not being diagnosed in the early stages. I pray that there is a cure for IPF in the near future.
My 76 y.o. dad was diagnosed april 2019. He was healthy and active at the time of diagnosis. Was found by checking off the box for have you ever experienced shortness of breath when getting annual physical. Within 3 months he was on oxygen. He deteriorated quickly and passed in jan 2020. This was horrible to watch. Interesting that note of first level relatives getting this. Would like to know more about this.
I had what I thought was the flu for three weeks in Feb 20. I have always taken flu shots, and cannot recall ever having flu before. In retrospect, I believe it was Covid 19, which resulted in damage to my lungs. In Apr 20 during visit with primary care doctor she indicated my lungs sounded like velcro being pulled apart. Referred to specialist, and after CT scan and various blood tests I was diagnosed with IPF. Thus far I have not had any symptoms, and will soon start taking Esbriet. Would like to be considered for green tea extract study.
My Mom died March 25, 2019. She was diagnosed with IBF 5 years prior. She was told she was lucky if she lived another 2 years. My Mom was very strong willed and had determination to live longer. But in her last 6 months she deteriorated so fast. She didn’t have any quality of life during her last 6 months. It’s a very slow death. Your air is just sucked right out of you slowly. It’s painful on the patient and the family to watch their loved one to die at a slow death. I Hope and Pray the find a cure. No person or family should have to suffer from this disease.