Black tea extract for prevention of disease

Abstract

Compositions and methods for preventing and treating disease are provided. The compositions are extracts of black tea that include a mixture of theaflavin-3-gallate and theaflavin-3′-gallate.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . An extract of black tea comprising theaflavin-3-gallate and theaflavin-3′-gallate.  
     
     
         2 . A composition comprising the extract of  claim 1  in combination with at least one other compound selected from a rosemary extract, a Mexican Bamboo extract, a Huzhang extract, resveratrol, a green tea extract, an orange peel extract, or a hydroxylated or methoxylated resveratrol analog.  
     
     
         3 . A method for inhibiting tumor cell growth in an animal comprising administering to an animal the extract of  claim 1 .  
     
     
         4 . A method for preventing or treating disease associated with Cox-2 gene expression in an animal comprising administering to an animal an effective amount of an extract of  claim 1  and wherein said disease is selected from the group consisting of cancer, inflammation, and arthritis.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4  wherein the extract is administered in combination with at least one additional compound selected from a rosemary extract, a Mexican Bamboo extract, a Huzhang extract, resveratrol, a hydroxylated resveratrol analog, a green tea extract, an orange peel extract, or a methoxylated resveratrol analog.