Carcinogenic Potential
EGCG was, among other tea polyphenols, found to be a strong topoisomerase inhibitor, similar to some chemotherapeutic anticancer drugs, for example, etoposide and doxorubicin. This property might be responsible for observed anticarcinogenic effects; however, there is also a carcinogenic potential. High intake of polyphenolic compounds during pregnancy is suspected to increase risk of neonatal leukemia. Bioflavonoid supplements should not be used by pregnant women. Maternal consumption of tea or coffee during pregnancy may elevate the risk of childhood malignant central nervous system (CNS) tumours through unknown mechanisms.
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“The planet on which we live is poorly organized, many areas are overpopulated, others are reserved for a few, technology’s potential is only in part realized, and most people are starving.”
—Friedrich Dürrenmatt (1921–1990)