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Anti-Infective Agents in Medicinal Chemistry

Editor-in-Chief

ISSN (Print): 1871-5214
ISSN (Online): 1875-6018

Mechanism of Action and Potential for Use of Tea Catechin as an Antiinfective Agent

Author(s): Tadakatsu Shimamura, Wei-Hua Zhao and Zhi-Qing Hu

Volume 6, Issue 1, 2007

Page: [57 - 62] Pages: 6

DOI: 10.2174/187152107779314124

Price: $65

Abstract

“Drinking several cups of green tea a day keeps the doctor away” is clearly an overstatement. However, extensive research has revealed that the predominant catechin from tea (Camellia sinensis), epigallocatechin gallate (EGCg), has significant medicinal and health-promoting properties. This review summarizes what is presently known about the antimicrobial properties of EGCg, with a particular focus on the synergistic relationship between EGCg and β-lactams in the inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The mechanisms of action and prospects for use of tea catechins such as EGCg as an anti-infective agent are discussed.

Keywords: Tea, catechins, EGCg, polyphenols, flavanols, antimicrobial agents, β-lactams, MRSA


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