Green Tea: A Potential Alternative Anti-Infectious Agent Catechins and Viral Infections

Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, following water. Black, oolong, and green tea are products of a perennial tree or shrub called Camellia sinensis. Camellia sinensis is native to Mainland China and is referenced in Chinese literature at least 5000 years ago. Since its discovery, green tea has been heralded as having several health benefits associated with its consumption. Traditionally, green tea has been used for a variety of medicinal purposes, such as the prevention and treatment of a variety of cancers, mental alertness, weight loss, lowering cholesterol level, and UV protection. Studies have shown that catechins, the polyphenols found in tealeaves, are effective as anti-infectious agents by affecting the infection process instead of specifically targeting the virus. This treatment strategy has the potential of reducing the prevalence of drug-resistant viruses and the reliance on anti-viral drug therapies. This paper will explore the efficacy of green tea in preventing infections by the hepatitis B and C, influenza and human immunodeficiency virus.