Scientists from the University of Virginia School of Medicine and India have confirmed that compounds found in green tea are effective against several coronaviruses, including the novel coronavirus. The journal Phytomedicine Plus indicates that researchers had previously identified the antiviral benefits of compounds in green tea, such as Epigallocatechin gallate, leading to increased interest from doctors in recent years.
Based on a study and analysis of the results from over 30 scientific studies published between 2000 and 2022, the researchers concluded that the compound Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) has strong antiviral properties, including against SARS-CoV-2 in in vitro models, as it prevents the binding of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to ACE2 receptors in the host body. It also inhibits the virus's replication in host cells by suppressing the activity of pathogen enzymes 3CLpro, PLpro, Nsp15, and RdRp. Additionally, it provides protection from cytokine storms, pulmonary fibrosis, and the blood coagulation caused by the virus.
However, it turns out that the pure compound is poorly absorbed by the intestines and requires a long time to be processed in the liver, which currently creates certain limitations on its use in treatment. Therefore, the use of epigallocatechin gallate is expected in mouth and throat washes to reduce viral load in salivary glands and in specific preparations.
