Abstract
: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic inflammatory condition that may affect millions of people around the world. The conventional non-surgical therapies are typically based on the use of analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and corticosteroids. Although these therapies can relieve symptoms, they are often associated with numerous adverse effects. Green tea (GT) and its bioactive compounds have been associated with the prevention and treatment of several inflammatory conditions. The main effects of GT on human health are related to the presence of the catechins (epicatechin, epigallocatechin, epicatechin-gallate, and epigallocatechin-gallate), which belong to a family of flavonoid-like polyphenols. These bioactive compounds exhibit a plethora of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory actions. The purpose of this review was to show the effects of GT and its bioactive compounds on the therapeutic approach of OA. PUBMED and EMBASE were searched for this review. The antioxidant effects of GT polyphenols play important actions in inhibiting several signaling pathways related to inflammatory processes. The inhibition may affect IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, TNF-α, nuclear factor-kappa B mediated I kappa B kinase complex, and cyclooxygenase-2. Moreover, GT also scavenger properties against free radicals. The prevention of ROS production and consequent prevention of oxidative stress has an essential role in the inhibition of OA pathogenesis. Due to the impressive antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of this plant, we were surprised by the lack of studies that had used it in subjects with OA. For these reasons, and since OA is a chronic, degenerative, painful, and inflammatory condition (and the conventional treatments are associated with several adverse effects), we suggest that studies with humans should be performed to evaluate the effects of this plant or its components in the therapeutic approach or the prevention of OA. This review can assist physicians and multiprofessional teams in considering the use of GT in the therapeutic approach to OA
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