Working with test tubes and cell models, the team discovered that the epigallocatechin-3-gallate, or EGCG, found in green tea thwarts the accumulation of toxic protein aggregates associated with the two diseases, as well as others. When EGCG was introduced into the process, it bound itself directly to the proteins at an early stage, and a harmful misfolding of the protein structure was replaced by another version.

"These new aggregates are completely harmless," said Dr. Jan Bieschke, one of the researchers on the project.

They plan to continue their work, in order to find out exactly how the EGCG interferes with the toxic proteins.

For more, see the Max Delbrueck Center's Web site.