Green tea has shown promise for the treatment of Down syndrome

A research done in Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, Spain reveals how the compound in green tea called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) improved the cognitive function of individuals with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition,occurring when an individual has a partial or full additional copy of chromosome 21, meaning they have three copies of this chromosome, rather than the normal two.

This extra chromosome leads to over expression of genes, which can cause a number of physical symptoms, including reduced muscle tone, a small head, ears, and mouth, a flattened facial profile, and upward-slanting eyes.

Individuals with Down syndrome may also experience problems with cognitive function, such as delayed language and speech development, learning and memory impairments, and poor concentration.

According to the researcher,Dr. Dierssen, research has shown that such cognitive impairments are down to overexpression of a gene called DYRK1A, and studies in mice have suggested the compound EGCG could reduce DYRK1A overexpression.

Now, the new study indicates that the compound could do the same for people with Down syndrome, achieving an improvement in cognitive function.