title: Specific formulation of Camellia sinensis prevents cold and flu symptoms and enhances gamma,delta T cell function: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Determine if a specific formulation of Camellia sinensis (CSF) can prevent illness and symptoms due to cold and flu, and enhance gammadelta T cell function
  
  
  METHODS
  
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Healthy adults 18-70 years old.
  
  
  METHODS
  Proprietary formulation of Camellia sinensis (green tea) capsules, or a placebo, twice a day, for 3 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  As assessed by daily symptom logs, percentage of subjects experiencing cold and flu symptoms, number of days subjects experienced symptoms, and percentage of subjects seeking medical treatment. Mean in vivo and ex vivo proliferative and interferon gamma responses of subjects' peripheral blood mononuclear cells to gammadelta T cell antigen stimulation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Among subjects taking CSF there were 32.1% fewer subjects with symptoms (P = 0.035), 22.9% fewer overall illnesses of at least 2 days duration (P = 0.092), and 35.6% fewer symptom days (P < 0.002), compared to subjects taking placebo. gammadelta T cells from subjects taking CSF proliferated 28% more (P = 0.017) and secreted 26% more IFN-gamma (P = 0.046) in response to gammadelta T cell antigens, as compared to gammadelta T cells from subjects taking placebo. CSF was well-tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This proprietary formulation of CSF is a safe and effective dietary supplement for preventing cold and flu symptoms, and for enhancing gammadelta T cell function.
authors.affiliation: Food Science and Human Nutrition Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32611, USA.
authors.forename: Cheryl A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Rowe
authors.forename: Meri P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Nantz
authors.forename: Jack F
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Bukowski
authors.forename: Susan S
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Percival
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D028241:Camellia sinensis / Q000737:chemistry*; D003139:Common Cold / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D007371:Interferon-gamma