WEDNESDAY, Jan. 27 (HealthDay News) -- Green tea extract shows promise as a treatment for uterine fibroids, say U.S. researchers who add they'll soon begin human trials of the therapy.

Uterine fibroids, which affect 40 percent of women of reproductive age, cause excessive vaginal bleeding, anemia, fatigue and lack of energy. Currently, hysterectomy is the only treatment option.

Green tea extract can kill human leiomyoma cells in tissue cultures and can eradicate fibroid lesions in lab animals, according to Dr. Ayman Al-Hendy, director of clinical research at Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn., and colleagues. Their findings were published Jan. 14 in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology.

"If we can prove this compound is effective, millions of women can start self-treatment and self-management," Al-Hendy said in a news release.

He and his team are recruiting volunteers to take part in clinical trials.

More information

The U.S. National Women's Health Information Center has more about uterine fibroids.