Xerostomia (the perception of dry mouth) affects up to 40% of US adults and increases with aging. The majority of xerostomia complaints are associated with chronic medication use. Other causes of xerostomia include autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren syndrome (SS), cancer therapy, and metabolic diseases. Artificial lubricants are commonly used as saliva substitutes, and dentifrices have been devised that provide some of saliva's protective role, but they are not able to protect or improve salivary function. Prescription medications are associated with significant side effects. Thus, novel approaches to prevention and therapy of xerostomia are in urgent need. Our previous work in animal models suggested that catechins extracted from the Camellia sinensis (tea tree) plant may possess a therapeutic effect against xerostomia and modulate salivary function. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a natural formulation containing tea catechins in a clinical trial in patients with xerostomia.