Abstract
In this review, we provide information on the pharmacokinetic properties of green tea catechins and their beneficial health effects. The major catechins in green tea are (-)-epicatechin (EC), its hydroxyl derivative (-)-epigallocatechin (EGC), and their gallic acid esters, (-)-epicatechin-3-gallate (ECg) and (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCg). We developed an analytical method for determination of the presence of green tea catechins in human serum using ion-pair HPLC with electrochemical detection to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters of target catechins. The Cmaxvalues indicated that catechin absorption was relatively low. One of the gallated catechins, EGCg, had a longer half-life than the non-gallated catechins. Green tea catechins, in particular, have attracted attention as cancer preventive agents in terms of their low toxicity and being readily available to the general population. Several epidemiological studies revealed that green tea consumption reduces cancer incidence. Numerous in vitro cell culture studies have shown that EGCg, which is defined as a major green tea catechin contributing to green tea’s anticancer effects, inhibits cell growth concomitant with induction of apoptosis. We have previously found that the cell death-inhibiting gene, Bcl-xL, was decreased by EGCg. These results support the hypothesis that EGCg regulates cytoplasmic NF-κB and subsequently induction of apoptosis. Green tea consumption may also play a role in preventing other lifestyle-related diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and stroke, due to its hypocholesterolemic and hypotensive activities. In conclusion, habitual green tea drinking may promote human health by preventing lifestyle-related diseases.
Highlights
The tea plant (Camellia sinensis), a native of southern China, has been known for more than two thousand years in Chinese botany and medicine.Lu Yu, who lived from 733 to 804, is respected as the Sage of Tea for his contributions to Chinese tea culture
EGCg is abundant in green tea leaves, and has beenshown to exhibit strong health-promoting activity[1,2], according to structure activity relationship assessment on epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), two close parallel aromatic rings and a third aromatic ring vertical to the two parallel rings may play a key role in the pharmacophore activity
By integrating the results of these studies, we proposed a possible mechanism of the anti-cancer effect of EGCg was proposed in this review
Summary
The tea plant (Camellia sinensis), a native of southern China, has been known for more than two thousand years in Chinese botany and medicine.Lu Yu, who lived from 733 to 804, is respected as the Sage of Tea for his contributions to Chinese tea culture He is best known for his seminal book, Ch’aChing, or The Classic of Tea, the first definitive work on the cultivation, preparation, and drinking of tea.Eisai (1141-1215) was a Japanese Zen Buddhist monk who, after studying in China,brought back new tea seeds and introduced the tea ceremony. EGCg is abundant in green tea leaves, and has beenshown to exhibit strong health-promoting activity[1,2], according to structure activity relationship assessment on EGCG, two close parallel aromatic rings and a third aromatic ring vertical to the two parallel rings may play a key role in the pharmacophore activity.
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