Camellia sinensis: Insights on its molecular mechanisms of action towards nutraceutical, anticancer potential and other therapeutic applications

Abstract

The Camellia sinensis plant provides a wide diversity of black, green, oolong, yellow, brick dark, and white tea. Tea is one of the majorly used beverages across the globe, succeeds only in the water for fitness and pleasure. Generally, green tea has been preferred more as compared to other teas due to its main constituent e.g. polyphenols which contribute to various health benefits. The aim of this updated and comprehensive review is to bring together the latest data on the phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Camellia sinensis and to highlight the therapeutic prospects of the bioactive compounds in this plant so that the full medicinal potential of Camellia sinensis can be realised. A review of published studies on this topic was performed by searching PubMed/MedLine, Scopus, Google scholar, and Web of Science databases from 1999 to 2022. The results of the analysed studies showed that the main polyphenols of tea are the four prime flavonoids catechins: epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), epicatechin gallate (ECG), epigallocatechin (EGC), and epicatechin (EC) along with the beneficial biological properties of tea for a broad heterogeneity of disorders, including anticancer, neuroprotective, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiobesity, antidiabetes and antiglaucoma activities. Poor absorption and low bioavailability of bioactive compounds from Camellia sinensis are limiting aspects of their therapeutic use. More human clinical studies and approaching the latest nanoformulation techniques in nanoparticles to transport the target phytochemical compounds to increase therapeutic efficacy are needed in the future.

Keywords

• Camellia sinensis
• Pharmacology
• Cellular mechanisms
• Molecular targets
• Signaling pathways
• Clinical applications