Green tea extract for mild-to-moderate diabetic peripheral neuropathy A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM

This randomized study aimed to evaluate the effect of green tea extract (GTE) intake on clinical and neurophysiological parameters in patients with mild-to-moderate diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present study included 194 patients with DPN. Patients were randomized into two treatment arms: GTE (n = 96) and placebo (n = 98) arms who received allocated treatment for 16 weeks. Symptoms of DPN were assessed using Toronto Clinical Scoring System (TCSS). Sensorineural pain was assessed using visual analog scale (VAS). Neural dysfunction was evaluated using the vibration perception thresholds (VPT). Assessments were made at baseline and after 4, 8, and 16 weeks of starting treatment.

RESULTS

At baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment, VAS, TCSS and VPT were comparable in the studied groups. However, after 8 weeks of treatment, patients in GTE group expressed lower VAS scores, significantly lower TCSS scores and significantly lower VPT. As treatment continued, the differences between groups regarding the outcome parameters became more evident at 16 weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

GTE intake may have a beneficial value in treatment of DPN.