The study, whose results were published Oct. 24 in Life Sciences journal, examined the effects that orally consuming epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) would have on patients with Sjogren's syndrome, which causes damage to moisture-producing glands such as tear ducts and salivary glands.

EGCG is the polyphenol found in green tea. The researchers gave it to non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice in order to test its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and autoantigen-inhibitory properties.

Among the key findings reported in the article abstract, were that diabetic mice fed plain water had significantly higher levels of antigens than diabetic mice fed EGCG. The results suggest that the green tea polyphenol could delay the onset of autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome and diabetes.

"These results indicate that EGCG protects the NOD mouse submandibular glands from autoimmune-induced inflammation, and reduces serum autoantibody levels," the abstract stated. "The evidence suggests that EGCG could be useful in delaying or managing SS-like autoimmune disorders."