Benefits of Green Tea: Clinical Evidence for Respiratory Tract Infections

DOI Web Site Web Site PubMed 28 References Open Access
  • Yamada Hiroshi
    Department of Drug Evaluation & Informatics, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka

Bibliographic Information

Other Title
  • 緑茶の効能：気道感染症に対する臨床的エビデンス
  • リョクチャ ノ コウノウ : キドウ カンセンショウ ニ タイスル リンショウテキ エビデンス

Search this article

Abstract

<p>Green tea components, such as catechins have been reported to provide several benefits including anti-oxidative, anti-viral/bacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Catechins effectively inhibited the adsorption and replication of the influenza virus. Additionally, green tea contains theanine and vitamin C, which enhance the immunity against viral/bacterial infections. Based on these, green tea is hypothesized to have potential benefits in the prevention of influenza and other respiratory tract infections in the clinical setting. However, its specific effects in patients remain unclear. To determine the clinical significance of green tea in the prevention of respiratory tract infections, we conducted an observational study and eight interventional studies. Based on the results of three studies, consuming or gargling green tea or its components significantly aided in the prevention of influenza. Meanwhile, one study showed that green tea successfully prevented common colds. Catechin inhalation was also reported to decrease the bacterial load of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in the sputum. Although the anti-viral/anti-bacterial effects of green tea components have been demonstrated in experimental studies, the clinical evidence remains limited. Further studies are required to confirm the clinical efficacy of green tea and its components in preventing respiratory tract infections.</p>

Journal

  • YAKUGAKU ZASSHI

    YAKUGAKU ZASSHI 142 (12), 1371-1377, 2022-12-01

    The Pharmaceutical Society of Japan

References(28)*help

See more

Related Projects

See more

Keywords

Details 詳細情報について

Report a problem

Back to top