[Prophylactic effect of black tea extract as gargle against influenza].
We examined whether gargling with black tea prevents influenza infection. Tests were carried out during a five month period (October 1992 to March 1993). The control group that followed their normal daily routine, whereas the test group that gargled with 0.5 w/v% black tea extract twice daily (at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Influenza viruses were isolated from influenza patients and an antigen analysis was carried out. As a result, two strains of influenza A viruses (H3N2) and ten strains of B virus were detected. An HI test was done using paired sera of the control group and the test group. The HI titers raised a four fold or greater in 48.8% (61/125) in the control group and 35.1% (35/134) in the test group. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) between the control and test groups. These results indicate that black tea extract is effective as a prophylactic agent against influenza infection.
Iwata
M
M
Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Showa University School of Medicine.
Toda
M
M
Nakayama
M
M
Tsujiyama
H
H
Endo
W
W
Takahashi
O
O
Hara
Y
Y
Shimamura
T
T
D006801:Humans; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D009981:Influenza B virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000302:isolation & purification; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013662:Tea
D013662:Tea