Theanine Improves High-Dose Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate-Induced Lifespan Reduction in <i>Caenorhabditis elegans</i>
Yuxuan Peng,
Shen Dai,
Yan Lu,
Ligui Xiong,
Jianan Huang,
Zhonghua Liu,
Yushun Gong
Affiliations
Yuxuan Peng
National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Shen Dai
Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Yan Lu
National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Ligui Xiong
National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Jianan Huang
Key Laboratory of Tea Science of Ministry of Education, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Zhonghua Liu
National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Yushun Gong
National Research Center of Engineering and Technology for Utilization of Botanical Functional Ingredients from Botanicals, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant polyphenol in green tea. Our previous report showed that induced hormesis was a critical determinant for the promotion of a healthy lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. In the present study, we investigated the anti-aging effects of the main active ingredients in green tea. We found that galloylated catechins (EGCG and epicatechin gallate) could extend the lifespan of C. elegans, while their metabolites (gallic acid, epicatechin, and epigallocatechin) could not. Interestingly, the combination with theanine, not caffeine, could alleviate the adverse effects induced by high-dose EGCG, including the promotion of lifespan and locomotor ability. This was due to the attenuation of the excess production of reactive oxygen species and the activation of DAF-16. These findings will facilitate further studies on the health benefits of tea active components and their interactions.
