Effects of Tea Catechins on Alzheimer's Disease: Recent Updates and Perspectives

Molecules. 2018 Sep 14;23(9):2357. doi: 10.3390/molecules23092357.

Abstract

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative disorders worldwide. Its incidence is gradually increasing because of an aging demographic. Therefore, AD prevention and modification is important to improve the health status of older adults. Oxidative stress is a component of the pathological mechanisms underlying AD. It is caused by a disruption of the balance between reactive oxygen species and antioxidant molecules. This imbalance also causes neuroinflammation. Catechins, which are bioactive components of tea, have antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, other potential properties related to AD prevention and modification have been reported in in vitro and in vivo studies. Several clinical studies have also been conducted to date. The current review summarizes recent updates and perspectives of the effects of catechins on AD based on the molecular mechanisms and related clinical studies.

Keywords: Alzheimer’s disease; catechin; clinical study; molecular mechanisms.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / prevention & control*
  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Camellia sinensis / chemistry*
  • Catechin / pharmacology
  • Catechin / therapeutic use*
  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Humans
  • Oxidative Stress / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts / chemistry

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • Catechin