Polyphenol-plasticized wheat gluten films via formic acid solubilization.

Modulatory effects of tea-derived bioactives on oral microbiota and their virulence-reducing properties.

Diabetes mellitus is a global concern with complications including recurrent skin infections and poor wound healing. The involvement of multidrug-resistant bacteria (MDR) in skin infections renders them challenging. Nanoparticles such as silver, zinc oxide, and chitosan-based nanoparticles offer a promise for combating the growing threat of MDR bacteria by employing unique mechanisms that bypass recognized antibiotic resistance pathways. Therefore, this study reports the eco-friendly synthesis of silver (AgNPs), zinc oxide (ZnONPs), and chitosan-tripolyphosphate nanoparticles (Cs-TPP-NPs) using green tea extract (GTE) and gamma irradiation. AgNPs exhibited the highest antibacterial and antibiofilm efficacy among the tested preparations, as reflected by their lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values against four bacterial strains associated with diabetic foot ulcers, including Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Streptococcus pyogenes. The killing activity of AgNPs was fast acting against all tested bacteria with > 10 log10 CFU/mL reduction in 2–6 h. The AgNPs-GTE loaded Cs-TPP-NPs combination was assessed for possible mechanisms of action, which revealed its ability to inhibit biofilm formation and compromise bacterial membrane integrity in MRSA and E. coli, leading to increased permeability, intracellular ion leakage, and nucleic acid release. Notable morphological damage to bacterial cells was confirmed by transmission electron microscope (TEM). In vivo, the prepared combination hydrogel promoted healing of skin lesions in a CD1 mouse model of diabetic skin infection lesion within six days, demonstrating strong antibacterial activity with a 4 Log10 unit reduction in bacterial load compared with the untreated group, and significant decrease in inflammatory marker NF-kB, restoring it to healthy uninfected control levels. Histopathological evaluation of treated tissues showed full epidermal regeneration, enhanced fibroblast proliferation, increased angiogenesis, and the presence of well-organized mature collagen fibers in the dermis, compared to untreated controls. In conclusion, synthesized AgNPs-GTE loaded Cs-TPP-NPs combination offered an effective therapeutic approach for enhancing diabetic skin infection healing.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1038/s41598-026-54908-z.

In recent years, there has been increasing evidence that plant-derived vesicles, i.e. exosome-like nanovesicles (ENs), have biological activities. We investigated the ingredients in green tea "Sencha" infusion-derived exosome-like nanovesicle (TIEN) fractions and found that gallic acid-type polyphenolics were detected disproportionately in these fractions. Furthermore, it is thought that plant-derived ENs arise mainly from vacuoles, endoplasmic reticulum, and Golgi apparatus, etc. However, our findings suggest that TIENs may originate from chloroplasts.

ABSTRACTBackgroundAntioxidants have gained significant attention for improving sperm parameters. Green tea and catechin, known for their potent antioxidant properties, are particularly interesting in this context.ObjectiveThis study investigated the in vitro effects of green tea extract (GTE) and (+)‐catechin on semen quality parameters of Arabi rams during chilled storage.MethodsThe pooled and diluted semen was divided and supplemented with GTE and (+)‐catechin (50, 100, 150 and 200 µg/mL levels). The control group did not receive any supplements. Sperm quality and semen pH were evaluated at 1, 24, 48 and 72 h after storage. Seminal plasma MDA level was measured at 72 h of semen storage.ResultsSupplementation with GTE and (+)‐catechin improved sperm motility more than control (p < 0.05). Specifically, GTE at 50 and 100 µg/mL enhanced motility, while higher concentrations were detrimental. Catechin at 600 and 800 µg/mL maintained motility better than the control at 72 h. Sperm viability and membrane integrity were significantly improved at 50 and 100 µg/mL GTE and all catechin concentrations (p < 0.05) compared to the control. However, higher GTE concentrations (150‐200 µg/mL) decreased sperm viability and membrane integrity at 72 h. Additionally, morphological abnormalities were reduced by 100 µg/mL GTE and the higher catechin concentrations in comparison to the control. Seminal plasma pH varied over the 72‐h storage period, but no significant differences were observed between the experimental and control. MDA levels were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the GTE (50–200 µg/mL) and catechin (200–800 µg/mL) treatment groups, compared to the control at 72 h.ConclusionsGTE and catechin enhance semen parameters during chilled storage, with optimal effects at specific concentrations. High levels of GTE may negatively impact sperm quality, underscoring the importance of precise dosing in semen preservation.

Caffeine is known to improve the vigor and survivability of premature babies, however, there is little information on its effects on neonatal dairy calves. Green tea extract has high natural caffeine content, with potential for additional polyphenol-related health benefits. The objective of this study was to determine how different doses of green tea extract, administered at birth, affect the vigor, behavior, health, and growth of dairy calves during their first 28 d of life, particularly those born from cows experiencing dystocia. Heifer calves were assigned to 1 of 3 treatments: (1) single (SNG; n = 42) 15-mL dose of green tea extract (Calf Perk, TechMix, LLC; containing 327.6 mg of naturally occurring caffeine, a minimum of 40% corn syrup as energy, 25% water, 1% vegetable oil to suspend the solution, and preservatives including cassia oil, xanthan gum, and citric acid), (2) 30-mL double dose (DBL; n = 39; 2 × 15-mL tubes of Calf Perk; 655.2 mg caffeine), and (3) control (CON; n = 39; 15-mL placebo of water, corn syrup, xanthan gum, and vegetable oil). Calves were given the treatment orally within 2 h of life, before colostrum feeding. Blood was sampled, and vigor scoring occurred between 0 and 72 h of life, while health scoring (including symptoms of respiratory illness and diarrhea) occurred at 24 h of life and then twice weekly until 28 d of age. The BW was recorded at birth and weekly for 28 d. The DBL calves (23.7 ± 0.22 of a possible 30-point vigor score) had moderately improved overall average vigor scores throughout the duration of the study compared with CON calves (23.1 ± 0.20), while SNG calves (23.1 ± 0.23) did not differ from CON calves. No differences were detected between treatment groups for instances of respiratory illness or diarrhea. No differences in ADG were detected in wk 1 (0.54 ± 0.03 kg/d) and 3 (0.49 ± 0.03 kg/d); however, in wk 2, SNG calves tended to gain more than CON calves (0.46 vs. 0.33 ± 0.05 kg/d). The SNG calves also tended to gain more than CON calves (0.98 vs. 0.87 ± 0.05 kg/d) in wk 4. As a result, SNG calves were heavier than CON (58.9 vs. 57.3 ± 0.50 kg) calves at 28 d of age, while DBL calves did not differ (57.3 kg). Although the effects of dystocia were considered for all outcomes measured, the effects of green tea supplementation on calves born from a dystocia calving compared with those from a eutocia calving remain unclear. Overall, a double dose of green tea extract supplementation was associated with improved vigor, whereas a single dose resulted in greater weight gain in calves.

In this work, chitosan nanoparticles (CsNPs) loaded with crude green tea extract (CGTE) at three concentrations (1.5, 3, and 6%) are designed to eradicate harmful microbes and eliminate prostate cancer cells successfully. The extraction of bioactive compounds in CGTE was conducted. A phytochemical identification confirmed that CGTE was rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, predominantly quercetin derivatives. Furthermore, the characterization of the prepared materials indicated that CGTE was successfully loaded onto CsNPs. The TEM results showed that CsNPs and the loaded CsNPs with CGTE were spherical, with their size increasing from around 297nm to 353nm after loading the CGTE. Among the studied formulations, results indicated that 6CGTE loaded CsNPs showed the strongest antimicrobial, antibiofilm, and anticancer activities. Likewise, the formulation induced significant cytotoxicity and apoptosis in PC-3 prostate cancer cells, as evidenced by morphological shrinkage, Annexin V-positive populations, and cell-cycle arrest. The cancer therapy of PC-3 prostate increased Bax levels and decreased Bcl-2 levels. ELISA and qRT-PCR tests revealed the significant downregulation of inflammatory mediators (IL-6 and TNF-α). In addition, western blot analysis confirmed the highest p53 levels and activated cleaved caspase-3. Consequently, the the prepared CGTE loaded CsNPs is a promising and beneficial approach for treating prostate cancer and preventing the bioburden of uropathogenic microbes. The results concluded that the prepared nanoplatform has great potential for biomedical and pharmaceutical applications as a localized nano-delivery system for integrated antimicrobial and anticancer therapy.

Cryopreservation reduces ram sperm viability and fertilizing ability by inducing oxidative stress, membrane damage, and DNA fragmentation. This study evaluated whether adding chitosan-stabilized nano green tea extract (Nano-GTE) to a Tris-soybean lecithin extender improves post-thaw semen quality and fertility of Ossimi rams. Ejaculates (pooled from five mature rams) were extended with Tris-soybean lecithin containing 0 (control), 50, 100, 150, or 200 µg/mL Nano-GTE, equilibrated at 5 °C for 4 h, frozen in 0.25 mL straws, stored in liquid nitrogen and thawed at 37 °C for 30 s. Post-thaw progressive motility, viability and membrane integrity were significantly higher in the 100 µg/mL group (PrM: 46.3 ± 0.21% vs. control 41.5 ± 0.22%; Viability: 47.1 ± 0.27% vs. control 42.8 ± 0.24%; Membrane integrity: 47.6 ± 0.26% vs. control 43.9 ± 0.27%; P < 0.001). DNA fragmentation (Comet assay) was lowest in the 100–150 µg/mL groups (DNA damage: 5.0 ± 0.21% at 100 µg/mL vs. control 8.3 ± 0.21%; P < 0.001). Antioxidant capacity (TAC) in the post-thaw medium increased at 100 µg/mL, while markers of membrane damage (MDA, AST, ALT, LDH) were reduced compared with control (P < 0.05). Fertility (pregnancy rate after cervical AI) was higher with semen from the 100 and 150 µg/mL groups, whereas the 200 µg/mL dose impaired some parameters. Together, these results indicate that supplementing a Tris–soybean lecithin extender with Nano-GTE at 100 µg/mL markedly improves the post-thaw quality and fertility of ram sperm; higher doses (≥ 200 µg/mL) may be detrimental.

Several studies have assessed the effects of green tea extract (GTE) supplementation on substrate oxidation. However, no consensus has been reached due to the heterogeneity of the results, and so far no meta-analysis has been conducted on this topic. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to critically evaluate the effects of GTE supplementation on substrate oxidation, particularly on fat and carbohydrate oxidation during and after exercise. We conducted a comprehensive search of databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus, to identify studies relevant to our research up until December 2024. Eligible randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that reported relevant and adequate data about substrate oxidation were included in this meta-analysis. Also, we rated the evidence certainty using the 'Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation' (GRADE) method. Nine clinical trials evaluated the effect of GTE supplementation on substrate oxidation during and after exercise. In summary, intervention with GTE significantly increased fat oxidation both during (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 0.2 g/min; 95% CI; 0.04, 0.36; P = .016) and after exercise (WMD: 0.04 g/min; 95% CI; 0.01, 0.08; P = .023). Also, GTE significantly decreased carbohydrate oxidation after exercise (WMD: -0.16 g/min; 95% CI; -0.32, -0.01; P = .04) but did not significantly affect carbohydrate oxidation during exercise (WMD: -0.08 g/min; 95% CI; -0.29, 0.13; P = .468). Furthermore, the results of the dose-response analysis showed that an increase in the dose of GTE could augment fat oxidation after exercise (WMD: 0.03 g/min; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.06, P = .007). The quality of evidence was rated as low to high according to the GRADE criteria. Green tea extract supplementation significantly enhances fat oxidation during and after exercise, with limited effects on carbohydrate oxidation. PROSPERO registration No. CRD42024598165.

Green tea is highly popular due to its richness in polyphenols exhibiting broad bioactivities. Tea polyphenols, primarily catechins and flavonoids, demonstrate health benefits following biotransformation by the gut microbiota to overcome limited bioavailability. However, metabolites and interaction between green tea polyphenol and the gut microbiota remains to be fully elucidated. This study investigates the biotransformation of metabolites and interaction between human gut microbiota (HGM) and green tea extract (GTE) through in vitro anaerobic fermentation. Temporal bioactivity assessments demonstrated that fermentation-enhanced antioxidant capacity and inhibition potential of α-glucosidase, α-amylase and pancreatic lipase peak at 6 h, showing strong correlations with polyphenol and flavonoid biotransformation kinetics. Using the untargeted metabolomics approach, 55 characteristic differential compounds during the fermentation process in GTE were characterized, including 15 catechins, 29 flavonoids, five organic acids and six other phytochemicals. Furthermore, nine microbial-transformed metabolites derived from GTE flavonoids were identified and the corresponding metabolic pathways were proposed simultaneously. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequencing revealed that GTE significantly enhanced gut microbiota diversity and induced structural reorganization, specifically enriching genera such as Bacteroides, Bifidobacterium, Lactococcus and Enterococcus, which are likely involved in flavonoid biotransformation of GTE. Thus, the findings provide new insights for elucidating microbiota-mediated metabolites of green tea polyphenol, and their bidirectional interactions in the human gut.

Green tea (Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze) nanoemulgel promotes buccal mucosal ulcer repair

Background and Objectives: Green tea is known for its powerful antioxidant properties. However, the effects of green tea consumption during pregnancy on neonatal development and the mechanisms of these effects are not fully understood. The aim of this study was to investigate potential damage to atrial cardiomyocytes of newborn rat pups whose mothers received green tea during pregnancy and to elucidate the apoptotic mechanisms underlying this possible damage. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats (weighing 200–220 g, 10 weeks old) were used in this study. Following the confirmation of pregnancy, rats were randomly assigned to groups, and the experimental group was administered green tea by oral gavage at a dose of 50 mg/kg per day for 21 days. Atrial cardiomyocytes and mitral valve cells from newborn pups (postnatal day 1) were obtained and evaluated immunohistochemically for cytochrome c, caspase-9, and caspase-3 expression. Results: TUNEL analysis revealed a significant increase in DNA fragmentation in the green tea group, with the median number of apoptotic cells per region of interest (ROI) rising from 5.5 to 24.5 in atrial cardiomyocytes (p < 0.001), and from 2.0 to 10.0 in mitral valve cells (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemically, the control group showed faint-to-weak basal immunoreactivity of cytochrome c and caspase-3, and weak-to-moderate expression of caspase-9. In the green tea group, caspase-3 immunoreactivity was moderate, while cytochrome c and caspase-9 immunoreactivity were significantly higher. Quantitative HSCORE analysis confirmed significant elevations in atrial cardiomyocytes for cytochrome c (from 65.0 to 210.0; p < 0.001), caspase-9 (from 85.0 to 140.0; p < 0.001), and caspase-3 (from 60.0 to 120.5; p < 0.001). Similar statistically significant increases were observed across all corresponding markers in the mitral valve cells (p < 0.05). Overall, the induction of apoptosis was notably more pronounced in atrial cardiomyocytes than in mitral valve cells. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that the mechanism of potential damage in atrial cardiomyocytes of newborn rat pups is associated with mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, potentially triggered by activation of the cytochrome c, caspase-9 and caspase-3 axis. These results highlight the importance of exercising caution regarding the consumption of green tea supplements during pregnancy. Further studies are needed to correlate these preliminary neonatal observations with clinical outcomes.

Herein we describe epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a bioactive green tea extract, loading onto DNA nanostructures [DNA tetrahedron (TDNs) and DNA hydrogel (DH)] for improved bioavailability and biological activity. TDN-EGCG incorporation was confirmed by circular dichroism (CD), UV spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Degradation kinetics of TDN and DH, with and without EGCG were measured for up to 14 days and quantified by PAGE. TDN-EGCG showed slower degradation than TDN in human saliva, while both nanostructures remained stable in artificial saliva for up to 48h. DH-EGCG showed improved stability compared to the hydrogel alone. Human gingival fibroblasts exposed to neat-EGCG, TDN-EGCG, TDN, or buffer were analyzed for cell viability, total protein quantification, and cytokines expression levels. Cell viability and total protein levels did not differ from controls. The inhibitory effect of TDN and TDN-EGCG on Streptococcus mutans biofilms was also investigated. TDN-EGCG reduced IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 at 6h and IL-6 and MCP-1 at 24h timepoints, and inhibited S. mutans biofilm formation after 6h. Statistical analyses were performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test (α = 0.05). These findings highlight TDNs as promising EGCG carriers and support DH-EGCG as a complementary delivery system.

Green tea extract disrupts gonadal differentiation in a model avian system.

Meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) is a leading cause of non-aqueous deficient dry eye disease. Meibomian glands are responsible for the production of meibum, a lipid-rich secretion that coats the surface of the tear film, inhibiting evaporation of the underlying aqueous tear fluid. MGD can arise due to numerous extrinsic and intrinsic factors that drive changes in meibum quality or obstruction of gland orifices and can result in tear film instability, hyperosmolarity, epithelialdamage and downstream ocular surface inflammation. Despite the high disease prevalence, management is not standardised, with a wide range of pharmacological and naturally derived therapies available. Potential pharmacological agents include anti-inflammatories (antibiotics, immunosuppressants and topical integrin antagonists), perfluorohexyloctane and topical aqueous secretagogues. Natural therapies that may offer suitable long-term solutions include oral dietary supplements (polyunsaturated fatty acids, astaxanthin, bilberry, Chinese herbal formulations and Korean red ginseng) and naturally derived topical formulations (castor oil, manuka honey, tea tree oil, coenzyme Q10 and green tea extract). The rising prevalence of MGD has led to the development of several novel therapeutic strategies, expanding the range of management options available to clinicians. A thorough examination should precede the initiation of treatment to identify underlying pathophysiology and guide targeted interventions. Treatment efficacy, duration and safety profiles must also be considered.

This study examines the scientific basis of a traditional multi-infusion tea-brewing practice common in Asia by evaluating compositional changes, antioxidant capacity, and sensory attributes across successive green tea infusions. Using UPLC-MS, GC-IMS, and elemental profiling, we characterized how repeated extractions alter key tea constituents. Although flavonoids, polyphenols, polysaccharides, and amino acids remained detectable across all infusions, the concentrations of major bioactive compounds including gallic acid, its esters, and L-theanine declined progressively from the first to the third infusion (GT1-GT3), corresponding with reduced in vivo radical-scavenging activity. Changes in volatile profiles and sensory evaluation further indicated noticeable shifts in flavor and taste with each infusion. Pearson correlation analysis revealed that most quantified compounds were positively associated with puckery, bitter, and acidic attributes, and negatively associated with sweetness and freshness. Variable Importance in Projection (VIP) analysis identified L-lysine, L-tyrosine, epicatechin, myricetin, theophylline, quercetin, and epigallocatechin as key contributors to sensory perception. These findings demonstrate that multiple infusions diversify flavor characteristics while modulating the bioactive profile of green tea, offering insights relevant to product development and consumer brewing practices.

Green tea, a commonly consumed beverage worldwide, is extensively used as dietary supplements for cancer prevention. However, the interaction between green tea and paclitaxel is still unknown. This study aimed to systematically investigate the herb-drug interaction of green tea consumption on the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel. The ATP assay results indicated that green tea extract (GTE) significantly enhanced the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel in both human and murine breast cancer cells. Further, the 4T-1 tumor model testified that daily green tea consumption could improve the therapeutic effects of paclitaxel on breast carcinoma. The pharmacokinetic profiles revealed that in the group with short-term green tea consumption (0.5 h), there was a more than 55.87% increase in the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of paclitaxel and a 38.49% increase in the area under the plasma concentration curve (AUC). In the long-term green tea consumption group (2 weeks), there was a 23.80% increase in the Cmax of paclitaxel and a 28.29% increase in the AUC. Moreover, long-term green tea consumption significantly reduced hepatic microsomal protein level. Taken together, green tea consumption enhances the anticancer efficacy and increases the pharmacokinetic profile of paclitaxel, which provides information to study the interaction between herbs and chemotherapy.

This study evaluated the effect of a fructose-egg yolk-milk diluent supplemented with different concentration of green tea leaf extract (Camellia sinensis L.) on the quality of rooster semen stored at room temperature (25 °C). Semen was collected from five healthy Gaok roosters (1.5-2 years old), pooled and allocated into four treatment groups: T0 (diluent only, control), T1 (diluent + 0.005 mg green tea extract/10 mL), T2 (diluent + 0.010 mg/10 mL), and T3 (diluent + 0.015 mg/10 mL). Semen quality was evaluated over a 6-hour storage period, focusing on progressive motility, viability, plasma membrane integrity (assessed using the hypoosmotic swelling test), and morphological abnormalities. The addition of green tea extract significantly improved progressive motility, sperm viability, and membrane integrity compared to the control throughout the storage period (p &lt;0.05). These improvements followed a dose–response trend, with the intermediate dose (T2, 0.010 mg/10 mL) showing the most stable and sustained protective effects. No significant differences were observed in spermatozoa morphological abnormalities among treatments (p &gt;0.05), with values remaining low and comparable across all groups. Overall, the results suggest that incorporating green tea leaf extract into a fructose-egg yolk-milk diluent can enhance the short-term preservation of rooster semen by maintaining motility, viability, and membrane functionality at 25 °C, without adversely affecting morphology. The optimal dose identified in this study was 0.010 mg per 10 mL diluent (T2), which provided effective protection for up to 6 hours of storage. In conclusion, green tea extract shows promise as a practical antioxidant additive for improving the short-term handling and transport of rooster semen under field conditions.

Using the principles of green chemistry, a new, simple, rapid, and eco-friendly dual-mode system for procaine detection in pharmaceutical samples was developed in this study. This system relied on the diazotization of procaine, followed by a coupling reaction with catechin-rich molecules present in a non-heated matcha green tea extract (MTE) in an acidic medium containing nitrite. As the concentration of procaine increased, the resulting yellow azo dye became visually more intense, which could be monitored using UV-vis spectrophotometry (λ = 412 nm) and smartphone-assisted RGB analysis (only B values varied; R and G values were constant). The spectrophotometric method allowed the detection of procaine as low as 0.33 mg L-1, with a working concentration range between 1.0 and 8.0 mg L-1. Alternatively, the smartphone-assisted method exhibited linearity over the 2.0-10.0 mg L-1 range, with a minimum detectable concentration of 0.67 mg L-1. The performance of the dual-mode system was confirmed by quantifying a real procaine sample, with the testing results showing good agreement with the results obtained using the reference spectrophotometric method. The influences of common ions were investigated, and Na2EDTA was found to offer an easy method for eliminating Fe3+ interference. The total phenolic content of MTE was quantitatively determined using a Folin-Ciocalteu procedure to standardize the MTE.

Protective effect of green tea extract on chlorpyrifos induced toxicity in liver of male mice.