Current View on Green Tea Catechins Formulations, Their Interactions with Selected Drugs, and Prospective Applications for Various Health Conditions

Green tea extract (GTE) is one of the most popular beverages globally, traditionally prepared from Camelia sinensis leaves. Therefore, it beneficial to define impact GTE and its ingredients on human organism. Epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate (EGCG) abundant catechin in green leaves, belonging group tannins flavonoids, demonstrating pharmacological activity, but so far, has not been applied as a drug. This because EGCG does present sufficient stability quickly decomposes through epimerization or autooxidation mechanisms under influence light, temperature, changes pH, presence oxygen. Another limiting factor EGCG’s low bioavailability after oral administration. Nevertheless, growing market dietary supplements together with increasing consumption extracts should prompt us pay more attention safety both itself, well other simultaneously used drugs. Previously published data confirm relationship between healthcare professionals’ access professional knowledge their willingness engage patient education. For this reason, review article, we report formulations GTE, discuss possible interactions drugs, gather various recommendations medical specialists. Particular be paid during pregnancy breastfeeding, elderly. Patients taking clozapine, digoxin, warfarin avoid consuming containing EGCG. Professional consultation seems especially important for patients treated statins, calcium channel blockers, sildenafil.