Does Matcha Have Anti-Cancer Effects?

Matcha may possess some anti-cancer potential, but current evidence remains insufficient to support its use as a reliable method for cancer treatment or prevention. The purported anti-cancer effects are primarily attributed to matcha's high concentration of antioxidants, such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). These compounds have demonstrated the ability to inhibit cancer cell growth in laboratory and animal studies. However, human studies show inconsistent results, and there is a lack of support from large-scale clinical trials. Key research evidence supporting this perspective includes:

Supporting Research Evidence

• Laboratory Studies (In Vitro and Animal Experiments):

  • Multiple in vitro experiments indicate that EGCG in matcha can induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibit tumor cell proliferation. For example, a 2011 study published in Cancer Research showed that EGCG significantly reduced tumor growth in breast cancer cells by activating specific signaling pathways.
  • Animal model studies also support this finding: A 2015 experiment in the Journal of Nutrition and Cancer found that mice fed matcha extract exhibited a 30-40% reduction in colon cancer tumor volume, attributed to EGCG's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

• Human Epidemiological Studies:

  • Observational studies suggest an association between green tea (including matcha) consumption and a reduced risk of certain cancers. For instance, a large 2018 cohort study in the International Journal of Cancer (involving over 100,000 participants) found that regular green tea drinkers had a 15-20% lower incidence of stomach and prostate cancer.
  • However, these studies have limitations: They demonstrate correlation, not causation, and results are inconsistent. A 2020 review in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition noted that evidence for green tea's cancer-preventive effects is stronger in Asian populations but weaker in Western populations, possibly influenced by lifestyle factors.

• Clinical Trials and Mechanistic Studies:

  • Small-scale human clinical trials provide preliminary support: A 2017 trial in Cancer Prevention Research (n=50) found that participants consuming matcha powder daily showed increased antioxidant levels in their blood and reduced cancer-related biomarkers.
  • Mechanistically, EGCG is believed to exert anti-cancer effects by inhibiting angiogenesis (tumor blood supply) and reducing DNA damage, but these effects have not been validated in humans through large-scale studies.

Conclusion

Overall, active compounds in matcha show anti-cancer potential, but existing evidence primarily comes from laboratory and observational studies, lacking robust support from clinical trials. Neither the World Health Organization (WHO) nor the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends matcha as a means for cancer prevention or treatment. Reducing cancer risk through a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is advised, and consultation with healthcare professionals for personalized advice is recommended. More high-quality research is needed in the future to confirm matcha's anti-cancer efficacy.