Green Tea Extract (EGCG) and Quercetin Protect Insulin-Producing Cells of Pancreas

American society is currently suffering from a metabolic pandemic, with the typical person experiencing a high level of stress to major organs including the pancreas.  The insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas are easily damaged, which can lead to type 1 diabetes or in lesser cases to part of the metabolic malfunction that results in weight gain and a high risk for eventual type 2 diabetes.  A new study shows that natural compounds, the EGCG extract of green tea and quercetin¹, offer significant protection.

The higher the dose of quercetin the more effective it was at reducing damage to the beta cells.  Quercetin was particularly effective against acute free radical stress.

On the other hand the ECGC worked by a different mechanism, boosting up gene signals that made the beta cells more resistant to damage.

It is likely that many natural compounds help protect your pancreas, a vital metabolic organ.  This study adds to the large body of data showing that natural extracts from fruits, vegetables, and tea are a major part of our body’s natural defense system against stressors.