International Journal of Herbal Medicine 2020; 8(5): 63-73

E-ISSN: 2321-2187
P-ISSN: 2394-0514
www.florajournal.com The beneficial effects of green tea on human health: an
IJHM 2020; 8(5): 63-73
Received: 24-07-2020 updated review
Accepted: 29-08-2020

Mir Monir Hossain Mir Monir Hossain, Shahrin Mahmood and Tasmuna Tamrin Tanmy
1. Ph.D., Scholar, Department of
Chemistry, Cleveland State
University (CSU), Cleveland, Abstract
Ohio, USA Green tea is un-fermented product of Camellia species. The leaves of both Camellia sinensis and
2. Associate Professor, Camellia assamica, are used for the production of green tea, but C. assamica is mainly used for the
Department of Pharmacy, production of black tea. Green tea is widely produced from the leaves of C. sinensis, now a day’s which
University of Science & is one of the most popular beverages worldwide. Over the past 50 years or more, scientists have studied
Technology Chittagong this plant with respect to potential health benefits. Research has shown that the main components of
(USTC), Foy’s Lake, green tea that are associated with health benefits are the catechins. The four main catechins found in
Chittagong, Bangladesh green tea are: (-)-epicatechin (EC), (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECG), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and (-)-
epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). Of these four, EGCG is present in the largest quantity, and so has
Shahrin Mahmood
been used in most of the researches. Among the important health benefits of green tea are:
Department of Pharmacy,
anticarcinogenic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, and benefits in
University of Science &
Technology Chittagong (USTC), cardiovascular disease and oral health. Research has been carried out using various animal models and
Foy’s Lake, Chittagong, cells lines, and is now more and more being carried out in humans. This type of research will help us to
Bangladesh better understand the direct benefits of green tea. This review will focus primarily on researches
conducted on human subjects to investigate the health benefits of green tea.
Tasmuna Tamrin Tanmy
Department of Pharmacy, Keywords: Greentea, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, cardiovascular disease,
University of Science & oral health, metal ions
Technology Chittagong (USTC),
Foy’s Lake, Chittagong,
1. Introduction
Bangladesh
Green tea, native to China, India and Bangladesh, has been consumed and hailed for its health
benefits for centuries globally. Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world behind water.
However, 78 percent of the tea consumed worldwide is black and only about 20 percent is
green. All types of tea, except herbal tea, are brewed from the dried leaves of the C.sinensis
bush. The level of oxidation of the leaves determines the type of tea. Green tea is made from
unoxidized leaves and is one of the less processed types of tea. It, therefore contains the
most antioxidants and beneficial polyphenols. Cultivation of tea plants is economically
important in many countries, and is known to be grown in as many as 40 countries. C. sinensis
grows best in certain tropical and subtropical regions [1]. There are four main types of tea
produced from this same plant, depending on how the tea leaves are processed. These teas are
white, green, Oolong, and black tea. White tea is produced from very young leaves and buds
that have not yet turned green, and the only processing is drying. Green tea is produced from
mature leaves with minimal processing (only drying). Oolong tea is produced from partially
fermented mature leaves, and black tea is produced from fully fermented mature leaves [1,2].
Green tea, which makes up around 20% of tea production worldwide, is consumed most often
in China, Korea, India, Bangladesh and Japan. Oolong tea is consumed most in China and
Taiwan. Black tea (around 78% of tea production) is mostly consumed in the United States
and the United Kingdom. Black tea contains up to three times the amount of caffeine as green
tea [3–5]. Like other drugs or nutrients within our system, the health beneficial effects of green
tea solely depend on bioavailability after its consumption. In recent years, the health benefits
[6]
Corresponding Author: of consuming green tea, including the prevention of cancer [7] and cardiovascular diseases [8],
Mir Monir Hossain the anti-inflammatory [9], antiarthritic [10], antibacterial [11], antiangiogenic [12],antioxidative [13],
1. Ph.D., Scholar, Department of antiviral [14], neuroprotective [15], andcholesterol-lowering effects [16] of green tea and isolated
Chemistry, Cleveland State green tea constituents are under investigation. However, adding green tea to the diet may cause
University (CSU), Cleveland, other serious health concerns.The risk of the tea catechins can affect iron absorption,
Ohio, USA
2. Associate Professor, particularly in group of people who have iron deficiency. Green tea ingestion over a long
Department of Pharmacy, period does not affect the apparent absorption of copper, whereas it decreases that of zinc and
University of Science & increases that of manganese. However, catechin intake does not affect the blood plasma
Technology Chittagong concentration of these ions. Green tea catechins have the potential to affect absorption and
(USTC), Foy’s Lake, metabolism of ions because flavonoids interact with a variety of metal ions.
Chittagong, Bangladesh
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1.1 Phytochemical Constituents polyphenol oxidase. To prevent loss of the polyphenols, green
The active components of green tea that are the most health- tea leaves are heated rapidly (most commonly by steaming or
promoting relevant medically are the polyphenols, with the pan frying) to inactivate polyphenol oxidase. Black tea leaves
flavonoids being the most important. The most pertinent are dried, then rolled and crushed, which promotes oxidation.
flavonoids are the catechins, which make up80%–90% of the Therefore, black tea has far fewer active catechins than green
flavonoids, and approximately 40% of the water-soluble tea. Green tea contains four main catechins: (-)-epicatechin
solids in green tea [17–19]. The amount of catechins in the tea (EC), (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate
can be affected by which leaves are harvested, how the leaves (ECG), and (-) epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG). The most
are processed, and how the tea is prepared. In addition, where abundant of these in green tea is EGCG, which represents
the leaves are grown (geographically) and the growing around 59% of total catechins. The next most abundant is
conditions affect catechin amounts [20–23]. Polyphenols are EGC (around 19%), then ECG (around 14%), and EC (around
quickly oxidized after harvesting due to the enzyme 6%).

Fig 1: Chemical composition (%) of green tea [24]

The chemical composition of green tea is made up of 15-20% fermentation and drying which areinvolved to make a finished
protein, 1-4% amino acids, 30% phenolic compounds, 7% product [27]. The color oftea leaves changes after all the steps
lipids, 7% carbohydrates, 26% fibers, 5% minerals and 2% from green tocopper brown and gives a floral smell. The
pigments on a dry weight basis[24] (See Fig 1). Amino acids leaves are heated immediately, mechanically wound,
like glutamic acid, tryptophan, glycine, serine, aspartic acid, compressed and then shade dried to preserve theirnatural
tyrosine, valine, leucine, threonine, arginine, and lysine and components and color.
carbohydrates (5-7% in dry weight basis) such as cellulose,
pectins, glucose, fructose, sucroseare partly included in green 2. Green tea processing
tea [25]. Other green tea-compounds with interest in human The vital steps of green tea processing are as below:
health such as fluorine, caffeine, trace elements such as Fresh leaves collection → sorting and cleaning → withering
chromium and manganese [26]. It contains trace elements in (often) → panfrying or steaming → drying.
lipid form (linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid), sterols The discrete features of green tea processing isthat, the leaves
(stigmasterol), vitamins (B, C, E), xanthine bases (caffeine, are never subjected to fermentationprocess. Instead, the leaves
theophylline), pigments (chlorophyll, carotenoids), volatile are steamed (95-100ºC) for 30-45 seconds immediately after
compounds (aldehyde, alcohol, esters, lactones, harvesting, toinactivate the enzymes and protect degradation
hydrocarbons). ofvitamins. For this reason, the green tea contains
morevitamin contents in comparison to black tea. Thefresh
1.2 Processing of tea leaves leaves contain 78-80% polyphenols, whichdecreases to about
The green and black teas are the products of thesame plant, 10% during rolling process. Thedrying process is crucial to
but the basic difference lies in their processing. Black tea is preserve the aroma andstorage capacity.
the fermented product andundergoes fermentation process
before drying, Whereas, black tea is made by oxidation 3. Black tea processing
process. Afterplucking, leaves are subjected to the process of The major steps of black tea processing can be shown as
withering (removal of moisture by air flow), preconditioning, follows:
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Fresh leaves collection → Withering → Rolling by tea roller beverage or a supplement containing mixed catechins may be
or CTC (crushing, tearing, curling) → Fermenting → Drying more effective than using single catechin (e.g., EGCG)
After following these steps, the fermentation step plays a supplements [38].The potential molecular mechanisms and
crucial role in maintaining quality of blacktea. The oxidation targets that might explain how green tea catechins possess
process predominantly oxidizes the catechins present in tea anticarcinogenic properties have been widely studied (using
leaves. The moisture content in the tea leaves is evaporated various cell cultures, etc.), especially in breast cancers. These
and leaves become flaccid. The black tea is made by a CTC include interaction with specific proteins, anti-angiogenesis
machine. In many countries such as India, Kenya and Sri mechanisms, targets for inhibition of enzyme activities and
Lanka, CTC process of tea making are being followed. But, cell signaling pathways, and induction of cell cycle arrest and
China follows its traditional “orthodox rollers” process. For apoptosis [39]. The mushrooming area of nanotechnology has
the fermentation of black tea, warm temperature (25-35ºC) led to the development of potential chemotherapy involving
and high humidity (~95%) are required. The fermentation nanoparticles (NPs). Various particles (e.g., gold) can be used
process depends on the variety of plant and age of tea leaves. to deliver compounds to specific areas of the body. Research
It takes half hour to three hours to complete the fermentation using EGCG and nanoparticles has already begun using a
process. Generally, CTC machine takes less time (30 to 60 number of delivery approaches. These include: coating an NP,
minutes), while orthodox roller takes 2-3 hours. such as gold, with EGCG; use of encapsulated (in liposomes
or polymeric NPs) EGCG in NPs along with anti-cancer
4. Anticancer properties drugs, outer ligands that will bind to specific targets, or outer
Now days, cancer is a major cause of morbidity and mortality polymers that will enhance the intestinal absorption of EGCG
[32]
worldwide. Billions of dollars have been poured into cancer .
research over the past 60 years, and still we do not seem to be
any closer conclusion to actually curing it. In addition, quite 5. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) health benefits:
often the chemotherapies do as much, if not more damage to At present, Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause
the patient as the disease. Because cancer appears in so many of death and a complex disorder involving multiple factors.
different forms inmultiple parts of the body, it has been The factors those involve in CVD are: inflammation,
difficult to determine the mechanisms that lead to the disease. oxidative stress, platelet aggregation, obesity and lipid
Even with what we now know about cancer risk factors, there metabolism. Some of these factors are also involved in other
are still many people who seemingly have none of the risk disease processes but will be discussed in this paper under
factors, and yet succumb to a rapidly aggressive form. CVD. There have been a number of studies over the years
Encouraging people to think about how a healthy lifestyle can assessing green tea consumption in respect to CVD risk [40].
prevent disease is certainly a step in the right direction, and it Very recently, two studies from Japan that included nearly
would be most helpful to identify substances that could be 50,000 people found a decreased mortality rate due to CVD
useful in prevention and treatment. Green tea is an based on consumption of various numbers of cups per day.
exceptional cancer-preventive prescription with two features One study showed a 28% decrease in CVD death between
as refreshment and medication. Herbal remedies, including those who consumed ≤ 3 cups and those who consumed more
green tea, are the same old thing, yet by presenting the idea of than ≥ 10 cups. The other study showed a 14% decrease in
malignant growth counteractive action that green tea spares CVD mortality between those who consumed <1 cup and
individuals' lives. The supremecomponent of green tea that those who consumed ≥ 5 cups [41,42]. In Japan, Other studies
has been studied in cancer research is EGCG. There using a green tea extract found that, after 12 weeks, the
areseveral cancer related mechanisms attributed to EGCG. subjects had reductions in body fat (10%), blood pressure
These include: inhibition of angiogenesis, DNA (6.5%), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels (2.6%),
hypermethylation, NF-kB, telomerase activity, and tumor cell suggesting reduced risk of CVD. After two months, diabetic
proliferation and metastasis; inductionof tumor suppressor patients also had reduced fasting blood glucose levels (from
genes; and promotion of tumor cell apoptosis [28–32]. Inhibition 135 to 128.8 mg/dL), and hemoglobin A1c (HBA1c) levels
of angiogenesisis suggested to occur through a decrease in (from 6.2% to 6.0%) [43,44]. A large meta-analysis of 17
RNA and peptide levels of vascular endothelial growthfactor studies from over 30 years, including data from Europe, the
(VEGF), and by disrupting the dimerization of VEGF with the UK, and the U.S., found that increasing consumption of green
vascular endothelial growth factorreceptor 2 (VEFR2) [33]. tea by three cups per day decreased the risk of myocardial
Another suggested way in which green tea catechins may infarction (MI) death by 11% [45]. Another study showed a
generally inhibitcarcinogenesis is through increasing levels of decreased risk of mortality in patients who had an acute MI
glutathione S-transferase pi (GST-pi), which and a history of regular green tea consumption for at least a
catalyzesdetoxification reactions that inhibit carcinogen- year prior to the MI. Participants who did not drink green tea
induced DNA damage [34].Analysis of studies performed by had a 14% rate of death due to the MI; participants who drank
using human oral consumption of green tea to assess cancer up to 14 cups per week had an 11% rate of MI death; and
risk showed that case-control studies gave the most consistent participants who drank more than 14 cups per week had a
results and were positive for reduced cancer risk in breast, 10% rate of MI death [46]. An interesting study in patients with
cardiac, colorectal, esophageal, gastric, lung, ovarian, CVD showed that consumption of EGCG resulted in a rapid
pancreatic, and prostate cancers [35,36]. A recent large study improvement of vascular endothelial function. Participants
showed a relationship between breast cancer risk and tea who ingested an initial dose of 300 mg of EGCG had an
consumption, with the risk being highest in the groups that improved brachial artery flow-mediated dilation from 7.1% to
did not consume tea and lowest in the groups that consumed 8.6% after 2 h [47]. Another recent study found that increased
the most cups per day. Number of cups were assessed in five intake of dietary flavonoids was associated with a decreased
categories (0.1–1.0 cups, 1.1–2.0 cups, 2.1–3.0 cups, 3.1–5.0 risk of CVD. The participants were divided into three groups
cups, >5.0 cups) [37]. Analysis of the types of green tea based on average daily consumption of flavonoids. The first
beverage or extracts used in studies suggests that green tea tertile consumed 89 mg/day, the second tertile consumed 251
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mg/day, and the third tertile consumed 532 mg/day. The catechins have been found to have antioxidant activity
number of deaths due to CVD in the first tertile was 8.6%; in through: inhibiting redox sensitive transcription factors and
the second tertile, 6.4%; and in the third tertile, 5.0% [48]. pro-oxidant enzymes, scavenging ROS, and inducing anti-
oxidant enzymes.
5.1. Inflammation Studies to determine the antioxidant capabilities of green tea
Rather than the CVD, inflammation is also involved in may measure a variety of substances. Tests may measure the
arthritis, aging, cancer, etc. Many of the anti-inflammatory presence of known ROS or their metabolites, such as
effects when using green tea have been studied in rheumatoid hydroxyl radical, peroxides, superoxide, and singlet oxygen.
arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA), and are pertinent to Other measurements may be for known antioxidant
CVD as well. Some general anti-inflammatory mechanisms of substances such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
green tea components are: increased production of the anti- glutathione peroxidase, or substances that indicate
inflammatory cytokine, IL-10; regulation of IL-6 synthesis inflammation such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-
and signaling; decreased production of destructive matrix CRP) and TNF-α. Another type of testing assesses total
metalloproteinases via TNF-α induced phosphorylation of antioxidant capacity (TAC), also known as total antioxidant
mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs); and decreased status (TAS), which measures the amount of oxidants that are
expression of the chemokine receptor CCR2 and decreased neutralized in the body (e.g., moles of oxidant neutralized by
levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α [49– 1 L of plasma), with a lower number translating into a higher
52]
.The specific studies on inflammation can be roughly risk of disease [49].The results from recent studies have shown
categorized into: inhibition of neutrophil-endothelium that green tea catechins can affect levels of ROS [61–64],
interaction, modulation of neutrophil functions and death, and increase levels of antioxidants [65–68], decrease levels of
regulation of inflammation factors. Neutrophil migration and inflammatory substances [69,70], and increase TAC (TAS)
[66,68,69]
function are an integral part of the inflammatory response, so . An excellent summary of earlier studies that
controlling neutrophils is vital in decreasing inflammation. measured ROS and TAC can be found in a chapter by Serafini
Studies have shown that green tea catechins cause a reduction et al. 2011 [49].
in the number of leukocyte-endothelial cell adhesion The antioxidant activity of green tea polyphenols is
molecules (CAMs), such as ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and E- predominantly due to the combination of aromatic rings and
selection, expressed on the endothelial cell surface. This hydroxyl groups, which synthesize their chemical structure
restricts the ability of the neutrophils to migrate to sites of and consequently bind and neutralize lipid-free radicals by
infection [53,54]. Other studies have shown that factors known these hydroxyl groups. Numerous researches have been
to regulate neutrophil function, such as IL-1 β, IL-2, TNF-α, exhibited in different aspects on antioxidant activity of green
and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM- tea polyphenols which are exceptional electron donors and are
CSF), are suppressed by consumption of green tea or EGCG, effective scavengers of physiologically reactive oxygen
resulting in inhibition of inflammation [55–57]. Studies on the species (ROS) in vitro, including superoxide anions [71].
inhibition of pro-inflammatory factors have shown that green Consequently, green tea is the most effective against beta-
tea catechins downregulate many inflammatory chemokines, carotene oxidation as far as the antioxidant property is
cytokines, and inflammatory markers such as: IL-1α, IL-1β, concerned and can serve as a natural source of free radical
IL-6, IL-8, Interferon gamma (INF-ϒ), and C-reactive protein scavengers and cancer prevention agent [72]. The most potent
(CRP) [56,58–60]. antioxidant polyphenol of green tea is EGC. Again, radical
scavenging is high in the gallocatechin including EGCG and
5.2. Oxidative Stress EGC. Many studies have been reported on green tea that has
Oxidative stress in the body is closely connected to much higher antioxidant activities against free radicals which
inflammation and CVD, and is the result of the damaging are not found in vegetables. It is measured mainly by the
effects of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These ROS are Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) assay, DPPH
capable of causing chronic inflammation through induction of (2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging assays
inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and pro- and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) assay
inflammatory transcription factors. In general, green tea (See Fig 2)[13, 73-74,].

Fig 2: Reactive antioxidant properties of green tea [73].

5.3. Platelet Aggregation reports demonstrated that green tea catechin, EGCG is the
Platelet activation and subsequent aggregation play an most active compound against HIV infectious diseases [107].
important role in CVD. When the vascular endothelium is Furthermore, the evaluation has also been done with herpes
damaged, platelets usually respond rapidly and aggregate to simplex virus (HSV) and bovine coronavirus (BCV) to realize
form plugs at the damage site, and may also form clots that the resistance power of antiviral activity and therapeutic
could lead to vessel occlusion [75]. Many of the studies on efficiency of catechin polyphenols [108].
platelet aggregation have been carried out using various
animal platelets. In addition to showing that green tea 7. Oral Health Benefits
catechins were involved in inhibition of platelet aggregation, Recently, research has launched to focus on the effects of
studies suggested that, catechins may affect several cellular green tea on oral health. Two of the general ways in which
targets that are related to platelet activation, including: green tea consumption helps oral health are due to its anti-
through the arachadonic acid pathway, inhibition of a inflammatory properties, and antimicrobial activity against
cytoplasmic increase in calcium, decreased thromboxane A 2 mouth flora such as Streptococcus mutans [109, 110]. The
(TXA2) production, and inhibition of cyclooxygenase-1 antimicrobial activity may also be responsible for the
(COX-1)) [76–79]. A study using human platelets concluded that improvement observed as to bad breath [111]. The two major
EGCG was able to inhibit platelet activation by adenosine types of effects on oral health are a decrease in periodontist
diphosphate (ADP) stimulation, and suppressed the p38 and dental caries.
MAPK phosphorylation of heat shock protein 27 (HSP27),
which would inhibit the release of pro-thrombotic contents 7.1. Periodontitis
from platelets [80]. Green tea consumption has been found to result in decreased
tooth loss,and prevent the development and progression of
5.4. Lipid Metabolism periodontitis. Green tea consumption also has positive effects
Increased blood lipid levels have long been suspected as an on periodontal health when assessed as to probing depth,
increased risk for CVD, especially LDLs [81]. One mechanism attachment loss, gingival bleeding, and dentin erosion. In
that is linked with atherosclerosis is the presence of oxidated addition to the antimicrobial effects on the main bacteria
LDL [82]. There have been many studies performed using involved in gingivitis, Porphyromonasgingivalis, EGCG has
human subjects to determine the effect of green tea catechins been shown to inhibit the ability of the bacteria to bind to oral
on lipids. The studies have reported that consumption of green epithelial cells via fimbriae, and has also been shown to
tea catechins lowers total cholesterol and LDL levels and also inactivate bacterial collagenases. EGCG also inhibits
reduces blood pressure [83–90]. In addition, a recent study found production of matrix metalloproteins and IL-8, which are
that green tea catechins are incorporated into LDL particles, responsible for initiating tissue destruction [109,110,112,113].
and are then able to reduce the oxidation of LDL. Catechins
prevent LDL oxidation via radical-trapping abilities and act as 7.2. Dental Caries
hydrogen donors to α-tocopherol radicals [91]. Prevention of dental caries is attributed to the ability of
EGCG to bind and inhibit salivary and bacterial amylases, in
6. Antimicrobial action particular, α-amylase. EGCG also prevents generation of acid
Resistance to antimicrobial agents has been becoming from carbohydrates through inhibiting the transcription and
harmful to the environment and accelerating the global function of LDH. One of the main things that encourages
problem [92]. Nowadays many antimicrobial drugs cannot tooth decay is that the major oral bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus
destroy their pathogenic microorganisms as they are mutans) form a biofilm on the surface of teeth. EGCG inhibits
becoming resistant. Therefore, researchers are finding some the adherence of the bacteria to teeth, decreases biofilm
new drugs from mangrove species to control the pathogens formation, and inhibits the ability of the bacteria to produce
due to the presence of antimicrobial compounds [93, 94]. The an acid environment. EGCG also inhibits the hydrogen
antimicrobial activity of tea was first established almost 100 binding and hydrophobic interactions of bacterial
years ago[95,96]. Green tea exhibits antimicrobial properties, collagenases. Consumption of green tea has also been
which are ascribed predominantly to its polyphenols [97]. The associated with an increase in oral peroxidase activity [113–115].
degree of animation depends on the bacterial species and the
polyphenol structure [98, 99]. Good evidence suggests that the 8. Effect on diabetes
catechin components of green tea are responsible for the A study by Waltner-Law et al. [116] provided compelling in
observed antibacterial activity owing to the presence of EGC, vitro evidence that EGCG decreases glucose production of
EGCG, and ECG constituents [100, 101]. Gram-negative bacteria H4IIE rat hepatoma cells. The investigators showed that
seem to be more resistant to polyphenols than Gram-positive EGCG mimics insulin, increases tyrosine phosphorylation of
bacteria, due to differences in the exterior membrane [102]. The the insulin receptor and the insulin receptor substrate, and
main components responsible for the antimicrobial activity reduces gene expression of the gluconeogenic enzyme
are EGCG and EGC. EGCG at 10–100 μm has shown to phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Recently, green tea and
reduce E. Coli growth by approximately 50% [103]. The green tea extracts were demonstrated to modify glucose
mechanism of antiviral action of polyphenolic compounds is metabolism beneficially in experimental models of type II
based on various capacities to go about as antioxidant agents, diabetes mellitus [117]. In addition, EGCG ameliorates
to inhibit proteinaceous enzymes, to disrupt cell membranes, cytokine induced beta cell damage in vitro [118] and prevents
to avoid viral binding and penetration into cells, and to trigger the decrease of islet mass induced by treatment with multiple
the host cell. EGCG hinders infections by direct authoritative low doses of streptozotocin in vivo [119].
to biological molecules and persuades agglutination of the flu
infection preventing their adsorption to target [104]. The 9. Effect on obesity
antiviral mechanism of EGCG has been analyzed against The effects of green tea on obesity have received increasing
endemic HBV (Hepatitis B virus) infection [105, 106]. Many attention. Tea catechins, especially EGCG, appear to have
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anti-obesity [120]. African black tea extract has been shown to against carcinogens involving only modulation of this
suppress the elevation of blood glucose during food intake metabolic pathway.
and reduce the body weight in KK-A(y)/TaJcl diabetic mice
[121]
. Although few epidemiological and clinical studies have 12. Adverse effects of green tea
shown the health benefits of EGCG on obesity and diabetes, Although green tea has several beneficial effects on
the mechanisms of its actions are emerging based on various humanhealth, the effects of green tea and its constituents
laboratory data. These mechanisms may be related to certain maybe beneficial up to a certain dose, yet higher doses
pathways, such as through the modulations of energy balance, maycause some unknown adverse effects. Harmful effects of
endocrine systems, food intake, lipid and carbohydrate tea overconsumption (black or green) are due to three main
metabolism, and redox status [122].It has been reported that the factors: (1) its caffeine content, (2) the presence of aluminum,
body weights of rats and their plasma triglyceride, cholesterol, and (3) the effects of tea polyphenols on iron bioavailability.
and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly Green tea should not be taken by patients suffering from heart
reduced by feedings of Oolong, black, and green tea leaves to conditions or major cardiovascular problems. Pregnant and
the animals. When fed to mice, EGCG purified from green tea breastfeeding women should drink no more than one or two
decreased diet-induced obesity in mice by decreasing energy cups per day, because caffeine can cause an increase in heart
absorption and increasing fat oxidation [123]. The increased and rhythm. It is also important to control the concomitant
prolonged sympathetic stimulation of thermogenesis by the consumption of green tea and some drugs, due to caffeine’s
interaction between polyphenols and caffeine could be of diuretic effects [134]. Some studies revealed the capacity of tea
value in assisting the management of obesity [124]. Recent data plants to accumulate high levels of aluminum. This aspect is
from human studies indicate that the consumption of green tea important for patients with renal failure because aluminum
and green tea extracts may help reduce body weight, mainly can be accumulated by the body, resulting in neurological
body fat, by increasing postprandial thermogenesis and fat diseases; it is therefore necessary to control the intake of food
oxidation. These findings suggest that, EGCG alone has the with high amounts of this metal [135]. Likewise, green tea
potential to increase fat oxidation in human and may thereby catechins may have an affinity for iron, and green tea
contribute to the anti-obesity effects of green tea. However, infusions can cause a significant decrease of the iron
more studies with a greater sample size and a broader range of bioavailability from the diet [136]. Moreover, theeffects of
age and body mass index (BMI) are needed to define the green tea catechins may not be similar in all individuals.
optimal dose [125]. EGCG of green tea extract is cytotoxic, and higher
consumption of green tea can exert acute cytotoxicity in liver
10. Effects on absorption of metal ions cells, a major metabolic organ in the body [137]. Another study
Green tea’s catechins can affect iron absorption, particularly found that higher intake of green tea might cause oxidative
in groups at risk of iron deficiency [126, 127] but their effects on DNA damage of hamster pancreas and liver [138]. Yun et al.
[139]
other ions are poorly understood. Green tea ingestion over a clarified that EGCG acts as a pro-oxidant, rather than an
long period does not affect the apparent absorption of copper, antioxidant, in pancreatic b cells in vivo. Therefore, high
whereas it decreases that of zinc and increases that of intake of green tea may be detrimental for diabetic animals to
manganese [128]. However, catechin intake does not affect the control hyperglycemia. At a high dose (5% of diet for 13
plasma concentration of these ions [129]. Green tea catechins weeks), green tea extract induced a thyroid enlargement
have the potential to affect absorption and metabolism of ions (goiter) in normal rats [140]. This high-level treatment modified
because flavonoids interact with a variety of metal ions [130]. the plasma concentrations of the thyroid hormones. However,
drinking even a very high dietary amount of green tea would
11. Effects on drug-metabolizing enzymes be unlikely to cause these adverse effects in humans.
Long-term ingestion of green tea increases UDP-glucuronosyl
transferase activity in rats [131] and after being absorbed, 13. Conclusion
catechins are metabolized by drug metabolizing enzymes in The beneficial effects of green tea are being increasingly
various organs [132]. Thus, the increased glucuronidation recognize day by day, so it could be recommended that
through UDP-glucuronosyl transferase induction is postulated consumption of tea on regular basis. Green tea contains
to contribute to the anticarcinogenic effect of green tea by polyphenols, which include flavanols, flavandiols, flavonoids
facilitating the metabolism of chemical carcinogens into and phenolic acids; these compounds may account for up to
inactive products that are readily excreted. The interaction 30% of the dry weight. It is the reach source of phytonutrients
between 2-amino-3-methylimidazol quinoline (IQ) and green like flavonoids, phenolic acids, polyphenols, and catechin
tea catechin metabolism was examined [133]. IQ is a pre- tannins. Green tea catechins have proved to be very versatile
carcinogen that was originally detected in an extract of fried in providing health benefits. This means that there are
meat. The major route of IQ biotransformation in rats is potential health benefits for everyone in the consumption of
cytochrome P-450 in the first step, followed by conjugation to green tea. Even moderate amounts of consumption (drinking
a sulfate and a glucuronide conjugate. Green tea modifies IQ 1–2 cups of tea per day) may have benefits. It is a very good
metabolism in rats, increasing the formation of IQ thing that it is the second most popular beverage worldwide,
glucuronides, which are then excreted in the urine. Moreover, as the differences in health in a world without green tea might
protection against cancers induced by polycyclic aromatic be significant. Green tea also has several hydrophilic
hydrocarbons by green tea catechins may be due to the antioxidants properties as Trolox and free radical scavengers.
inhibition of their cytochrome P-450 metabolism, but the Unlike coffee, green tea contains an amino acid L-theanine,
effect of green tea on cytochrome P-450 enzymes depends on that prevents caffeine rush and gives you the energy to sustain
the particular form. The long-term consumption of green tea throughout several hours instead. Fortunately, there is a wide
increases cytochrome P-450 1A1 and 1A2 activities, but not variety of research being performed using green tea catechins,
2B1 and 2E1 activities, in normal rats. However, it is difficult and we are starting to see many studies performed using
to draw conclusions about a beneficial effect of green tea human subjects, as it is extremely important that we are able
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International Journal of Herbal Medicine http://www.florajournal.com

to show the direct benefits to humans. Laboratory studies cells. J Nutr. 2002; 132:2307-2311.
already showed the health effects of green tea. As the human 13. Hossain MM, Mahmood S. In vitro studies on
clinical evidence is still limited, future research needs to antibacterial, thrombolytic and antioxidant activities of
define the actual magnitude of health benefits, establishes the green tea or Camellia sinensis. Am. J. Phytomed. Clinic.
safe range of tea consumption associated with these benefits, Therap.2014; 2:1200-1211.
and elucidates the mechanisms of action. Development of 14. Weber JM, Ruzindana-Umunyana A, Imbeault L, Sircar
more specific and sensitive methods with more representative S. Inhibition of adenovirus infection and adenain by
models along with the development of good predictive green tea catechins. Antiviral Res. 2003; 58:167-173.
biomarkers will give a better understanding of how green tea 15. Weinreb O, Mandel S, Amit T, Youdim MBH.
interacts with endogenous systems and other exogenous Neurological mechanisms of green tea polyphenols in
factors. Definitive conclusions concerning the protective Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. J Nutr Biochem.
effect of green tea have to come from well-designed 2004; 15:506-516.
observational epidemiological studies and intervention trials. 16. Raederstorff DG, Schlachter MF, Elste V, Weber P.
The expansive repertoire of green tea activity in health is Effect of EGCG on lipid absorption and plasma lipid
important, especially to those people who live in areas where levels in rats. J Nutr Biochem. 2003; 14:326-332.
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The development of biomarkers for green tea consumption, as coffee: A century of progress. J. Agric. Food Chem.
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14. Conflicts of Interest: The author declares no conflicts of degradation and urinary excretion of catabolites by
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