T. Lakshmi, Sri Renukadevi Balusamy, R. Parameswari

Abstract

Tea is one of the common beverages used worldwide. Green tea is a commonly used beverage in the Asian countries. Tea contains constituents such as flavonoids and catechins which have wide use in several health-related problems. Green tea extract catechins have four main derivatives: Epicatechin, epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin gallate, and EGC gallate. These constituents have a wide range of health benefits in varied degrees, some effects of which are dosage dependent and some are not dosage dependent. Several studies provide evidence that green tea catechins have the following beneficiary effects on human body - fights cancer, lowers cholesterol, protection against heart disease, prevents diabetes, maintains a healthy circulatory system, prevents food poisoning, gives a healthier skin, and acts as a potent detoxifier. It prevents cavities, strengthens tooth enamel, reduces plaque and bacteria and prevents bad breath in the oral cavity. This article reviews the antitumerigenic, antithrombotic, antiviral, antidiabetic, antioxidant activities and anticariogenic, antifungal activity, effect on periodontal disease, and halitosis in the oral cavity.