Three randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have found that an extract of green tea is effective at clearing up and preventing the recurrence of external anogenital warts (EGWs). These are non-malignant skin tumours caused by human papillomavirus, and are one of the fastest growing sexually transmitted diseases.

The studies included 660 men and 587 women, and found that the efficacy of the extract, Polyphenon E, included low recurrence rates and favourable safety and tolerability profile.

Future studies could evaluate the efficacy of green tea for clearing up internal anogenital warts.

For meta analysis click here.

For information about vaccination against the HPV click here.

More research on herbal medicine

First Published in March 2011

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