Myth-buster
A systematic review found green tea's EGCG had no measurable impact on MRI outcomes in multiple sclerosis — challenging the popular notion that polyphenols slow brain lesion activity.
This is one of the first indexed reviews to specifically test polyphenols for MS, and it found no signal for EGCG on MRI changes, disability scores, or relapse rates. But the studies it pooled were small and had methodological flaws, so the result is preliminary, not definitive.
Researchers aggregated data from clinical trials and reported that epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG, a key polyphenol in green tea) did not significantly improve MRI measures of multiple sclerosis, nor did it affect disability or relapse rates. The review also found similar null results for several other polyphenols. While this punctures a common belief that green tea supplements help MS, the authors caution that the underlying evidence is limited by small sample sizes and study quality issues.
Where this fits in the evidence
This is among the first studies we've indexed on Camellia for Improved Magnetic Resonance Imaging Change — treat it as an early signal until more research accumulates.
The study
- Systematic Review
- 2026-06-10
- Nutrients
- PubMed: 42356263
- DOI: 10.3390/nu18121875
- Full study breakdown →
This is a plain-language summary of a research finding, not medical advice. Pillser surfaces research signals to help you decide what's worth investigating — always consult a qualified professional before changing what you take.