- Tea, the commonly consumed beverage, is gaining increased attention in promoting overall health.
- In specific, green tea is considered a healthful beverage due to the biological activity of its polyphenols namely catechins. Among the polyphenols Epigallo catechin 3 gallate and Epicatechin 3 Gallate are the most predominant catechins.
- The antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticollagenase, antimutagenic, and c hemopreventive properties of these catechins proved to be helpful in the treatment of chronic diseases like periodontal disease.
- Studies have demonstrated that the type of processing mainly effects the concentration of catechins.
- Several epidemiological studies have proved that green tea also has some general health benefitting properties like antihypertensive, reduction of cardiovascular risk, antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity.
- The present review concentrates on the effects of green tea in periodontal and general health.