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.
CITATION STYLE
Iwata, M., Toda, M., Nakayama, M., Tsujiyama, H., Endo, W., Takahashi, O., … Shimamura, T. (1997). Prophylactic effect of black tea extract as gargle against influenza. Kansenshogaku Zasshi. The Journal of the Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases, 71(6), 487–494. https://doi.org/10.11150/kansenshogakuzasshi1970.71.487
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